Seller’s Guide: How To Identify A Parker Bros Shotgun
Seller’s Guide: How To Identify A Parker Bros Shotgun
How To Identify A Parker Bros Shotgun
Parker Brother shotguns are the most prized of American-made side-by-side shotguns. Identifying a Parker shotguns is not that simple since not all Parkers are alike. Parker shotguns were available off the shelf as well custom built and made to order from the customer’s specifications. Therefore there are many combinations of frames, grade, and gauge. Identifying a Parker Brother shotgun requires close examination of the marks and stamps. Field stripping the shotgun is the first step, then locating the factory stamps that correspond to frame size, grade, barrel weight. Other features like gauge, trigger, ejectors, extractors, vent rib, butt stock, stock pistol grip, forend, finish and receiver engraving are also used to identify Parker shotgun model and to determine the value. Condition is an important factor and whether the shotgun was restored by an accomplished gunsmith or barrels shorted and re-blued by an amateur in a garage. Not all Parker shotguns are valuable. The basic Trojan can be considered the economy model produced by Parker Brothers. While others, like the Invincible, can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Take note that only three Invincible Parker shotguns were built while over 33,000 Trojan shotguns were produced. Many famous Parker owners—sports figures, movie stars, politicians—can add an additional layer of value. Our team at Dunlap Gun Buyers is experienced with the nuances and understand the market value of Parker shotguns. We can help identify the details of your Parker Brothers shotgun to determine the current market value. Contact us to find out the value of your Parker shotgun.
Parker Shotgun Frame Sizes
Parker shotgun frames were sized to the barrel gauge or bore and stock. Parker shotguns were made in eight different gauges: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, and 28, and in .410 bore. There are twelve different Parker shotgun frames sizes that corresponded to the gauge or bore of the barrels. For example a 000 frame was used with 28 gauge and .410 bore barrels. Here is a complete list of Parker shotgun frame sizes and the corresponding chambering: 000 (28, .410), 00 (28, .410), 0 (16, 20, 28), 1/2 (12, 16, 20), 1 (10, 12, 16, 20), 1 1/2 (12, 16, 20), 2 (10, 12, 20), 3 (10, 12, 16), 4 (10), 5 (8, 10), 6 (8, 10, 12), and 7 (8, 10). The frame size is stamped on the barrel lug. Contact us to find out the frame size of your Parker shotgun.
Identifying Parker Shotgun Barrel Weight
The weight of the barrels is marked on the flats of the barrel. The flats is the bottom of the barrel that mate up with the receiver. At the factory the barrels were weighed before striking which is final alignment and finishing. The actual barrel weight was used at factory to keep track of which barrels went with which frame. Some Parker barrels have been shortened which reduces the value of the shotgun since it is not the original configuration from the factory. Need help identifying the barrel weight of your Parker shotgun? Contact our team at Dunlap Gun Buyers to find out the barrel weight of your Parker shotgun.
Where Is The Serial Number Located On A Parker Shotgun?
The serial number on a Parker shotgun is located on the receiver’s water table. The water table is the area on the receiver where the barrels and receiver mate up when the action is closed. The serial number is useful in determining the year the Parker Brothers shotguns was manufactured. Parker shotguns were made from before 1874 through 1934.
Parker Shotgun Models And Grades
The grade of a Parker Shotgun is located on the water-table. Parker shotgun models ranged from Trojan, V or VH, PH, GH, DH, CH, BH, AH, A1 Special, and Invincible, with Trojan being the most basic to the Invincible which was the most elaborate. A Parker shotgun grade with an “E” after the grade means the gun was fitted with ejectors rather than extractors. An “H” after the grade means the shotgun is a hammerless model.There were 9 grades given to Parker shotguns starting with the basic Grade 0 which used plain straight grain American walnut with simple engraving around the border of the frame. The most produced Parker shotgun model was the V or VH. These are referred to as a Parker Vulcan due to the barrels being made of Vulcan steel. Parker Vulcan models were Grade 0. As grade levels increase the more engraving there is and higher quality wood and checkering.
Identify Parker Brother Shotgun Barrels
Parker shotguns used barrels were made a variety of different ways with early guns using Damascus barrels and as better steels were developed, the Parker Brothers shotgun company improved the steel in their barrel. The type of steel used for Parker shotgun barrels is hand engraved on the rib. The type of steel used was not stamped since the stamping process damages the rib.
Types of Parker Shotgun Actions
All Parker shotguns are boxlock, break-open style action. Early Parker shotguns had exposed hammers and later designs were hammerless. Early Parkers with exposed hammers had a lifter action. A lifter action Parker has a lever under the shotgun located in front of the trigger guard that is lifted to open the action. Later Parker shotguns used the more common top latch design.
Parker Shotgun Values
Our team at Dunlap Gun Buyers have extensive experience with Parker Brothers shotguns and can help you identify the frame size, grade, and factors the determine the value of your Parker gun. Contact us to find out the value your Parker shotgun.