New member- looking for ID/Info on 1910? Parker

PacNW Arch · 03-12-2023, 01:13 PM

My uncle gifted me a Parker Bros. Shotgun sxs and I've found some information, but don't know much. As expected a value is a mystery as well. I think the gun is 1910 - 12 ga, i measured the barrels at 28" could be a VHE??? VH? I need to take better photos, I know. Any guidance on what to photograph?

Bruce P Bruner · 03-12-2023, 02:25 PM

Your Parker shotgun was manufactured in 1910. It’s a VH, a hammerless extractor gun. There are existing Parker factory records for this shotgun. By becoming a PGCA member you can get the letter containing all of the available details from the factory archives for a reduced rate.
The shotgun looks nice, a light wipe down with oil would be all that is required and run a mop down the bores. You shouldn’t alter its originality in any way.
Other members here will offer additional advice on your heirloom.

Steiner · 03-12-2023, 02:50 PM

Congratulations. Looks like a lovely old gal with generations of stories to tell.

Harold Pickens · 03-12-2023, 03:38 PM

Well used, but well preserved! Smaller bores--16 and 20, command much higher value in the same grade. Still, that appears to be a nice gun. Hope you start shooting it. ( I would shoot any standard 12 ga load between 1 to 1 1/4 oz around 1200 fps through it--but no steel shot.)

PacNW Arch · 03-13-2023, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harold Lee Pickens

Well used, but well preserved! Smaller bores--16 and 20, command much higher value in the same grade. Still, that appears to be a nice gun. Hope you start shooting it. ( I would shoot any standard 12 ga load between 1 to 1 1/4 oz around 1200 fps through it--but no steel shot.)

You seem to know - so maybe you might know about a Beesley that came with it. A 1930 (I think) 20 gauge. If not, do you know how a guy finds any information about those?

Harold Pickens · 03-13-2023, 10:10 PM

I can tell you this, the value of your Parker pales in comparison to your Beesley. Beesley was a high end English gun, often linked to the Purdy name. I read that it was recently "resurrected" and now made again in England. In 20 ga, that is quite a nice gun.
Post some more pictures of both. There are those here who are quite knowledgeable and may chime in.

PacNW Arch · 03-13-2023, 10:28 PM

Thanks again for your input. I will take some good photos. I only have my uncle's cell phone photos. I need to go to his house and get them out of the safe and take my own photos. As soon as I do I will post.

Joe from MO · 03-14-2023, 03:57 PM

This gun looks like your Beesley, sold by Morphy in 2018.... I don't think there were a whole lot of them made....

https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/lot-449290.aspx

PacNW Arch · 03-14-2023, 04:48 PM

Thanks for that find. It looks like it - oddly less engraving, but nicer color to the finish - and a box. No box here. The S/N of that one is dang close too - 2751 - mine is 2777. According to what I can find Beesley made 1800 guns before going in with Purdy - but that might not be accurate.

Mike of the Mountain · 03-15-2023, 09:37 AM

Your VH Parker looks to e a solid gun. Clean it up and start shooting it. Modern shells 7/8 to 1 1/8 oz at 1200 FPS on clays will do the trick. As with all older guns you don't want to shoot snotty field loads or snotty target loads. That won't break any more birds than 1 oz at 1160 will. What those heavy loads do is damage the old wood on the head of the stock. Repairs on a stock cost enough, a replacement will cost more than what the value of the gun is.

Personally, I love shooting the VH/VHE grade Parkers. Solid guns with just the right amount of engraving to satisfy. Enjoy!!