Parker VHE Question

Marty Bryant · 05-10-2011, 12:58 PM

I picked up a 12 ga VHE at a pawn shop yesterday that has me puzzled. The serial # is 193XXX which makes it a 1921. The 30" barrels are about 80-90% and the case coloring is around 40-50%. The barrel weight is 4-4. The frame size is marked 12 and it measures 1 1/8" center to center of the firing pins. It has a straight grip stock. What puzzles me is that it has no safety. I can't find any pictures of one without a safety or any information on the safety being optional. Any ideas?

Parkerman · 05-10-2011, 01:36 PM

Early pidgeon guns were usually made without safeties. Of course Parker, being ever sensitive to customer wants/needs/delights, would supply most requests for customization
I am not familiar with a "12" frame--you sure it is not a 1 1/2?

Bill Murphy · 05-10-2011, 01:51 PM

12 is a gauge mark on some later guns. If you put a magnifier on the lug, you may see a faded frame size marking, likely 1 1/2, but maybe a 2. A no safety Parker is a scarce variation that some of us are searching for.

TARNATION !!! · 05-10-2011, 04:44 PM

A warm welcome to you Marty. Some pics of your pawn shop Parker will help answer many of your questions. Some in focus shots of all the markings you see on the gun will be helpful in discussions. Oh, as an Old Hunter knows, you can also shoot better tasting fare than pigeons with it.
Cheers,
Jack

Marty Bryant · 05-10-2011, 05:26 PM

I'm on the road now but I'll be home tonight. I'll try and get the pictures posted tonight. Any time I'm traveling I try to hit every pawn shop I can find. You never know what they'll have.

Marty Bryant · 05-10-2011, 11:01 PM

Here are the pictures of the markings. I've looked at the mark under the 12 with a magnifying glass and I can't figure out what it is supposed to be.

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Dean Romig · 05-10-2011, 11:17 PM

Okay, that's a 2 Frame, The 2 is stamped lightly and almost looks like an N.

Is that a Remington code on the left barrel flat?

Marty Bryant · 05-10-2011, 11:58 PM

I can see the 2 now. It's turned sideways. The Remington codes that I'm familiar with are letters. The marking is the numbers 118. There is also a J.G. in a circle.IMG_0735.jpg

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Dean Romig · 05-11-2011, 05:48 AM

I don't know the significance of the 118 but the JG is the mark of James Geary who was a barrel maker or finisher.

Bill Murphy · 05-11-2011, 08:52 AM

That is a nice Parker. Too bad it is a bit late for original ownership provenance.