The 16 Parker DHE I wrote about this AM is a tough gun to find. But the Parker you see here is even harder to track down. It’s a 16g BHE.
According to the Parker Gun Collector’s Association, the Parker company made just 1,034 B- grade hammerless shotguns. Of those, I bet very few came with in 16 gauge a straight, ejectors, shootable dimensions, and 28″ damascus barrels, like this one.
Called “Hansome and Durable” by Parker Bros, B grades were the fifth grade from the top (Invincible, A1-Special, AAH, AH, BH) and always custom made. They came standard with Circassian walnut stocks and they featured checkered side panels with fancy fleur-de-lis drop points.
Here’s more about the gun from the seller:
Parker BHE, 16 ga, 28″, Double Barrel SxS Shotgun: #208XXX, 28” Damascus bbls, 2 9/16 ” chambers, IM/M chokes. Lop: 14 5/8 ” LOP, 2 5/8 ” DOH, Skeleton buttplate, 6 lbs, 12 oz. Made in 1924. Stock: Original finish. Metal: Original finish, Concave File Cut rib. Price: $35,000
BTW: If you’ve ever wondered about the strength of damascus steel barrels, make note that this gun was made in 1924 – well after nitro powders had become the standard in the industry.
