Parker D grade 10 gauge questions

[Dennis Martin]

Greetings All,
I've been a PGCA member for about 1 1/2 years, but this is my first post. I'm considering a Parker D grade 10 gauge made in 1889, but don't know how to compare a 10 gauge's value to comparable guns in smaller gauges. My Standard Catalog of Firearms states that only 45 10 gauge guns were manufactured in D grade, but I don't know this to be correct. My Blue Book of Gun Values lists no production numbers by gauge, but both show premiums for sub-12 gauge guns; not 10 gauge guns. I realize that smaller gauges are more desirable to the vast majority of shooters/collectors, but with a potential very low production of 10 gauges, can anyone tell me if they would carry a premium over a comparable 12 gauge? Can anyone confirm the production numbers? Any information will be greatly appreciated. I've made some costly mistakes in the past and would prefer not to take that well traveled path again.
Thanks,
Dennis

[Bill Murphy]

Those production numbers for ten gauge D Grades are bogus, if for Damascus barrel guns. The Parker Story, volume one, will give you the correct numbers. The ten gauge is not to be valued less than the 12, especially in fluid steel guns, where it is rare.

[Fishtail]

If it's made in 1889 and still has its original barrels it is Damascus most likely.

In Damascus guns, I'd always value a 10 less than a comparable 12, or certainly not more. In today's world a 12 is far more versatile and cheaper to use.

[Dennis Martin]

I was suspicious of those numbers and it does have Damascus barrels. Thanks for the quick responses.

[B. Dudley]

I believe all the blue book numbers are based on Fluid steel production.

DH 10g numbers are low, but not that low.

The only way that value can be determined is based on a complete evaluation of the condition of the gun. Anything short of that is pure speculation.

[Researcher]

First off, what are we discussing here? A D-Grade, a hammer gun? Or, a DH-Grade a hammerless gun?

According to the tables in The Parker Story there were 45 DH-/DHE-Grade hammerless 10-gauge guns made with Titanic Steel barrels. They are fairly rare and command a premium. There were 633 DH-/DHE-Grade hammerless 10-gauge guns made with Damascus barrels. There were 742 D-Grade top-action 10-gauge hammer guns made with Damascus barrels. Finally, there were 401 D-Grade lifter-action 10-gauge hammer guns made, 383 with Damascus barrels and 18 with Laminated barrels.

[Dean Romig]

Condition, condition, condition... that and if it has any special or unusual features like ejectors installed by the factory at a later date - barrels longer than 32" - fishtail lever. 3-frame 10's were the most common, so 2-frame or 4-frame and bigger would be unusual... straight grip or ball grip might be more desirable to some folks than the more common capped pistol grip. There are a lot of variables and some can add a bit of value, but condition would be the driving factor on a 10 bore's value.

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Hi Dennis,

Based on the information provided in your post I suggest the following:

1. Provide to your PGCA peers the serial number of the subject gun. One of us will then look it up in the Parker Gun Serialization and Identification Book or as we call it, "The Book". This is a $40 guide that ALL Parker collectors should buy. Amazon.com sells them.

2. A member will, from The Book, provide the original configuration of the gun, i.e. Hammerless, 10 ga, 32" Damascus Barrels, Capped Pistol Grip, any extras and so on. The Frame size is not listed. Oh, not all serial numbers are listed in The Book but maybe 80% are... Someone please correct me on the percentage!

3. Production numbers of each configuration of Parkers are listed in the 2-volumn Parker Story, a $300 investment. Blemished copies are available for less.

4. Detailed, clear photos will help members determine a very vague value range, i.e. $1500 to $3000. Value is determiend by condition, rarity, desirability, and present market values...

5. This is a link to a member's DH 10 which I've shot. It's a wonderful gun at more than a fair price of $3,500 shipped to you!:
http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=16273

Note: One has to be a PGCA member to have access to our For Sale forum (above link).

Here are the Photos in this website's albums:
http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthr...=kurt+densmore
http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthr...=kurt+densmore

I love big Parker 10 gauge guns. With a little practice one can master shooting them (long barrels swing like magic) and surprise your friends shooting their little 20 gauge guns on "in your face" clays on a tight course. The same Parker 10 will later smack the crap out of geese and ducks as far as a same man dares to shoot at them!

Mark

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by greg conomos

In Damascus guns, I'd always value a 10 less than a comparable 12, or certainly not more. In today's world a 12 is far more versatile and cheaper to use.

I think it's safe to say that if a fellow collects and or shoots Parker's ammunition costs aren't generally a factor But then I reload for all of mine so what would I know !

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Condition, condition, condition... that and if it has any special or unusual features like ejectors installed by the factory at a later date - barrels longer than 32" - fishtail lever. 3-frame 10's were the most common, so 2-frame or 4-frame and bigger would be unusual... straight grip or ball grip might be more desirable to some folks than the more common capped pistol grip. There are a lot of variables and some can add a bit of value, but condition would be the driving factor on a 10 bore's value.

That's all good and true . HOWEVER , one needs to take into consideration the fact that these things obviously aren't made any longer and each year the number decreases from fire theft accidents etc . So the old adage of only buying say 90% or better guns can kinda be taken with a grain of salt now . If a person waited for guns of that league or better he would most likely wait long between new additions and or have extremely deep pockets .