See this week’s 5 doubles you don’t want to miss…

Exceedingly rare Parker Bros. CHE 12ga 3" Magnum w/32"brls - Late Remington gun with incredible wood and dimensions in outstanding condition
Exceedingly rare Parker Bros. CHE 12ga 3″ Magnum w/32″brls – Late Remington gun with incredible wood and dimensions in outstanding condition

Exceedingly rare Parker Bros. CHE 12ga 3″ Magnum w/32″brls – Late Remington gun with incredible wood and dimensions in outstanding condition: Exceedingly rare gun made in 1939, this is the only 3″ marked “CHE” Grade I’ve ever seen.  This exact gun, pictured on page 296 of the “Parker Story”.  The gun made on a #2 frame (rare to find this late) with a beavertail forend, high raised rib, Parker Single Selective Trigger, auto ejectors, capped pistol grip buttstock, and original skeleton buttplate.  The gun has fabulously figured American Walnut stocks with what are unquestionably factory sling swivels.  Beautifully engraved by Runge with large flying duck on the trigger plate.  This is a beast of a gun and the rarity cannot be overstated!  Overall the gun remains in super condition.  Barrels and trigger guard retain about all of an older restored factory correct quality rust blue.  Receiver retains about 40% original case color- engraving is super crispy and well defined.  Stocks are sound and retain most of an older professionally restored finish with only minor handling marks.  Bores are brilliant and shiny.  Mechanics are crisp and the gun is tight on the face.Serial Number: 241,442 Barrel Length: 32″ Chambers: 3″ Ejectors: yes Condition: Excellent Metal Condition: Excellent Wood Condition: Excellent Bore Condition: Brilliant and shiny Barrel Type: Acme Steel Triggers: Parker SST Stock Comb: 1-5/8″ Stock Heel: 2-1/2″ Fore End: Original Beavertail Butt Pad: Original Skeleton BP LOP: 14-1/4″ Weight: 8lbs 12oz Choke Left: Full Choke Right: Full Price: $25,000

MERKEL 1953 MOD 303E SUHL- TOTALLY LIKE PRE-WAR QUALITY- GAME SCENE- TOTALLY ORIG- BEST 300 SERIES ACTION- 28" V R Bbls.- OVERALL 98-99% PIECE
MERKEL 1953 MOD 303E SUHL- TOTALLY LIKE PRE-WAR QUALITY- GAME SCENE- TOTALLY ORIG- BEST 300 SERIES ACTION- 28″ V R Bbls.- OVERALL 98-99% PIECE

MERKEL 1953 MOD 303E SUHL- TOTALLY LIKE PRE-WAR QUALITY- GAME SCENE- TOTALLY ORIG- BEST 300 SERIES ACTION- 28″ V R Bbls.- OVERALL 98-99% PIECE: #37917, A Classic 1953 Proper Period Suhl Made Gebruder Merkel 12 Bore O/U Model 303E Hand Detachable Sidelock that was proved in November 1953, Best and top of the line 300 series action body with double underlugs with double bite, Kersten cross bolt, 28″ Vent Rib Ejector Bohler Stahl barrels, .722 .042 & .045″ (Full & Full), Original 2 3/4″ chambers, Bolstered frame, Double triggers with the front articulated, Cocking indicators, Sidelock plates with a concealed folding release, The inside of the locks and forend are jeweled, 3 piece game forend with horn escutcheons around the forend tiedown screws, This is found only on best Merkel O/U’s, Open round pistol grip stock at 14 5/8 x 1 1/2 x 2 5/8″ over a 3/4 checkered butt, Cast-off for the right hand, 7 lbs. 12 oz., Excellent wood with excellent color and contrast of black & browns, Both the forend and buttstock match well, No sling swivels or cheekpiece, 99% coverage of 1953 game scene engraving that is absolutely Pre-War Quality with a Setter and Partridge plus a Fox with Ducks, This is definitely Pre-War quality and execution, The original barrel blue remains at 99%, The trigger guard & tang blue is 100%, The original stock finish is at 98-99%, The checkering is at 99%, The bores are as new, Every screw remains directly north and south, This is almost like buying it brand new in late 1953 or early 1954. You can investigate buying a recent Merkel O/U and see what you pay and what you get. These early 1950’s Merkel’s are for all intents and purposes no different than the Pre-War guns. Price: $8,950

BROWNING SUPERPOSED 20GA--RKLT 1961 28" SKEET/SKEET
BROWNING SUPERPOSED 20GA–RKLT 1961 28″ SKEET/SKEET

BROWNING SUPERPOSED 20GA–RKLT 1961 28″ SKEET/SKEET: BEAUTIFUL BROWNING SUPERPOSED 20GA–RKLT 1961 — 28″ SKEET/SKEET — ALL ORIGINAL GUN THAT RETAINS STRONG ORIGINAL BUE WITH SLIGHT LOSS AT CARRY POINTS ON BASE — 98% BARREL BLUE — 99% VARNISH — FACTORY BUTT PLATE — AN ALL ORIGINAL GUN THAT IS TIGHT AND ON FACE AND READY FOR ANOTHER 60 YEARS !!!!!!! THESE ARE REALLY STRONG INVESTMENTS AND WILL CONTINUE TO CLIMB AS THE CITORI ARE TAKING OFF IN VALUE — PRICE TO MOVE! Serial Number: 22413 Barrel Length: 28″ Bore Info: 20 Chambers: 2 3/4″ AND 3″ Ejectors: YES Condition: EXCELLENT Triggers: SINGLE Stock Comb: 1 1/2″ Stock Heel: 2 3/8″ Butt Pad: PLATE, LOP: 14 1/4″, Rib: VENT, Choke Left: SKEET, Choke Right: SKEET. Price: $3,750
William Ford in wonderful condition with 3″ proofs shoot your 2 3/4″ shells all day long: This is a great opportunity to have an English shotgun to use in the field or sporting clays that can easily shoot American 2 3/4″ shells. This gun features beautiful barrels inside and out and extremely tight on face using the Purdey double underbite and the Greener cross bolt. William Ford was known for their excellent barrels. Side clips and quality rose and scroll engraving with an action that still has 50% case colors complete what is a very sound and well made English double.: William Ford in Wonderful Condition with 3″ proofs ~ Shoot your 2 3/4″ shells all day long! Serial Number: 15294, Ejectors: Yes, Barrels: 30″, Barrel Type: Steel, Action: Box lock ejector, Gauge: 12 gauge, Stock Comb: 1 1/2″, Stock Heel: 2″, Stock, Cast: 3/16″, LOP: 14 3/16″ Weight: 7 lbs. 10 oz. Choke Left: .030″ full Choke Right: .029″ full Proof:Nitro: 3″ Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .035″ Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .033″ Price: $3,200

Franchi Instinct L - 28 Gauge - OU - Shotgun DISCOUNTED DUE TO DISPLAY DAMAGE
Franchi Instinct L – 28 Gauge – OU – Shotgun DISCOUNTED DUE TO DISPLAY DAMAGE

Franchi Instinct L – 28 Gauge – OU – Shotgun DISCOUNTED DUE TO DISPLAY DAMAGE: Franchi’s Instinct L is a well-balanced, fast handling over/under shotgun that gets on target quickly so you can down flushed birds before they’re out of range. This is an ideal upland bird gun—like its name, the gun handles instinctively. This Instinct L comes with an A-grade walnut Prince-of-Wales stock and fore-end that are finely checkered to provide a secure grip. The buttstock features an open-radius pistol grip to provide comfort and style. A hard-heeled recoil pad shoulders effortlessly, and stays put on the shoulder for quick follow-up shots. A color case hardened receiver adds elegance to purpose. The auto safety doubles as a barrel selector, and auto ejectors send spent cartridges clear for unhindered reloading. The vent rib has a fiber optic sight. The Franchi Instinct L Over/Under Shotgun comes with a custom-fitted hard case, 3 choke tubes (IC, M, F) and wrench. Price: $1099.97

Rare! A 16g Parker CHE SxS shotgun …

16g Parker CHE SxS Shotgun
16g Parker CHE SxS Shotgun

I usually don’t go for restored or refinished guns. But I have to say, I could be talked into this 16g Parker CHE. Not only is it rare, it’s my favorite gauge, it’s stock has excellent dimensions and whoever refinished it didn’t a good job (according to the seller, the work was done by Turnbull).

According to the Parker Collectors website, Parker made just 1,673 CH-grade shotguns. These guns came with either damascus-steel bbls (regular or Bernard) or fluid Acme-steel barrels. According to the seller, Parker made just fifty-six CHE 16ga 28″ Acme Steel guns. BTW: CHE = C-grade, Hammerless, with Ejectors).

16g Parker CHE SxS Shotgun
16g Parker CHE SxS Shotgun

Parker CHE 16 ga Restored: This 1926 gun was completely restored, rust bluing and case color by Turnbull, wood professionally finish. This 16 ga is on a 1 frame 2 1/2″ chamber with 28″ barrels, modified and improved cylinder. The weight is 6 lbs 11 oz, the LOP is 14 5/8 DAC is 1 3/8 and DAH is 2 3/8. They only made 56 CHE 16 ga 28″ Acme Steel guns. It does have a Miller trigger and the gun is better then what the pictures show, everything works as it should. Price: $8,750

16g Parker CHE SxS Shotgun
16g Parker CHE SxS Shotgun

For real? The finest Parker .410 ever offered…

PARKER- CHE .410ga. -
PARKER- CHE .410ga. –

Could this be the finest .410 Parker in existence? Perhaps. It’s a CHE (Quality 4) and Connecticut Shotgun just listed it on Gunsinternational.com.

Parker introduced their C-grade guns in 1875. They were never very popular, and the company built fewer than 1,900 C-grades in all (1,673 were hammerless modles, or CHs). Very few of these CHs were .410s – fewer than a dozen, I bet.

According to the book American & British .410 Shotguns, the late Bill Jaqua thought Parker .410 CHE No. 241429 (28″ bbls, single trigger, beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, vent rib) was most likely  “…the finest Parker .410 shotgun know to exist…” Judging pics of #241429 in that book, this gun is crisper and more original.

PARKER- CHE .410ga. -
PARKER- CHE .410ga. –

PARKER- CHE .410ga. – presenting the highest grade and condition unaltered, guaranteed untouched .410ga. to come on the market. This is without question the finest .410 to be ever offered for sale, it comes from the original owner with the original case, comes with an absolute guarantee, not only is it the best .410 to come on the market, it is the highest condition CHE Parker to be offered for sale, it retains 100% of the case color, 100% of the original wood finish (6 small scratches in the stock from handling), 100% of the blue, 100% case color on the forend latch and tip, 100% of the trigger guard blue (Not re-blued), 100% of the skeleton butt plate blue, factory twin ivory sights that are untouched, the screws have never been touched, the gun has never been apart, the engraving is superbly done it is still sharp, the gun still has the original varnish on the frame, it has never been cleaned or touched in anyway, the face of the barrel has all the original marks, without a doubt this is the finest collector small bore Parker to ever hit the market, if you want the very best this is it, in our 40 years of pursuing these gun this is without a doubt the finest offering of its kind, we handle many guns and it is very rare for us to get excited about a gun, the gun is as found un-cleaned and untouched, this is a late gun in the best configuration with the best workmanship.

PARKER- CHE .410ga. -
PARKER- CHE .410ga. –

PARKER- CHE- .410ga. 28” barrels choked IC/M (0.004/0.008), beautifully figured American black walnut capped pistol grip stock, splinter forend, skeleton butt, double triggers, solid rib, automatic ejectors, automatic safety, 000 frame, 3” chambers, 5lbs. 15oz, 14 1/8” x 1 ¾” x 3”.

PRICE ON REQUEST

PARKER- CHE .410ga. -
PARKER- CHE .410ga. –
PARKER- CHE .410ga. -PARKER- CHE .410ga. -
PARKER- CHE .410ga. –
PARKER- CHE .410ga. -
PARKER- CHE .410ga.

Auction alert: L.C. Smith Crown, Parker AHE & VHE, Fox XE, Winchester 21s..

Alderfer Auction & Appraisal in Hatfield, PA, is having a firearms sale tomorrow, July 15, 2014,  @12:00 PM EST. If you’re into American side-by-sides, this is a sale you’ll want to check out. There are nice guns by L.C. Smith, Parker Bros., A.H. Fox, Winchesters, and Ithaca. Here are a few of the ones that caught my eye:

20g LC Smith Crown Grade side by side double barrel shotgun
20g LC Smith Crown Grade side by side double barrel shotgun

Lot 120: LC Smith Crown Grade side by side double barrel shotgun: 20 ga. 26″ bbls. IM/Full chokes. SN 6421E. Blued finish on barrels, ejectors, Hunter Selective single trigger, full case colored receiver and locks, side locks are highly engraved with game dog scenes, excellent bores, white bead front and middle sights, middle bead is slightly worn, checkered walnut stock and forend show little to no handling marks, rubber buttplate, top of barrel rib is checkered and is stamped “Made to Order by the Fulton Arms Co Fulton NY”. All serial numbers match. Bore diameter: right – .620, left – .619. Bore restrictions: right – .020, left – .022. Chambers: 2-1/2″. Drop at comb: 1-5/8″, drop at heel: 2-3/4″. Weight: 5 lbs. 10 oz. LOP: 13-5/16″ over 1″ silvers type pad. Estimated Price: $15,000 – $20,000

Lot 121: Parker Bros DHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 20 ga. 32″ bbls. Full/Full chokes. SN 222427. Blued finish on barrels, excellent bores, full case colored engraved receiver showing hunting dog on both sides, ejectors, double triggers, steel bead front sight, white bead middle sight, engraved barrel rib is stamped “Parker Bros Makers Merideth CT USA Titanic Steel”, walnut stock and forend show little to no handling marks, Parker Bros marked black pistol grip cap, leather buttpad. All serial numbers match. Bore diameter: right – .622, left – .622. Bore restrictions: right – .027, left – .026. Chambers: 2-3/4″. Drop at comb: 1-5/8″, drop at heel: 2-5/8″. Weight: 6 lbs. 15 oz. LOP: 14-5/16″ over 1-1/4″ leather covered pad. Estimated Price: $6,000 – $10,000

Parker Bros DHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun.
20g Parker Bros DHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun, 32″ bbls
20g Parker Bros BHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun
20g Parker Bros BHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun

Lot 122: Parker Bros BHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 20 ga. 25-7/8″ bbls. Skeet/IM chokes. SN 166563. Reblued finish on barrels, barrels have been shortened by a little bit, single bead steel front sight, nearly full case colored receiver, receiver is highly engraved with a pair of hunting dogs on both sides, bores are slightly dirty but look good, double triggers, straight grip checkered walnut stock and forend show very minor handling marks, barrel rib is stamped “Parker Bros Makers Meriden Conn ACME Steel”, original skeleton buttplate. All serial numbers match. Bore diameter: right – .625, left – .628. Bore restrictions: right – .004, left – .021. Chambers: 2-3/4″. Drop at comb: 1-7/8″, drop at heel: 3-1/2″. Weight: 5 lbs. 14 oz. LOP: 14″ over skeleton butt. Estimated Price: $12,000 – $16,000

28g Parker Bros AHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun
28g Parker Bros AHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun

Lot 123: Parker Bros AHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 28 ga. 26″ bbls. Modified/Full chokes. SN 188861. Original blued finish on metal, over 70% original case color, “00” frame, some very small spots of light oxidation on underside of receiver, checkered walnut stock and forend show handling marks with a few being deep, receiver shows quail game scene on left side and pheasant scene on right, underside engraving shows hunting dog, barrel rib is stamped “Parker Bros Makers Meriden Conn ACME Steel”, lever mechanism sometimes sticks preventing the gun from closing, simply pushing lever to the right allows gun to close, single steel bead front sight, double triggers, skeleton buttplate. All serial numbers match. Bore diameter: right – .560, left – .556. Bore restrictions: right – .016, left – .023. Chambers: 2-1/2″. Drop at comb: 1-5/8″, drop at heel: 2-5/8″. Weight: 5 lbs. 4 oz. LOP: 14-1/16″ over skeleton buttplate. Estimated Price: $30,000 – $40,000

AH Fox XE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 12 ga.
AH Fox XE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 12 ga.

Lot 125: AH Fox XE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 12 ga. 30″ bbls. Modified/Full chokes. SN 25397. Blued finish on barrels, excellent bores, Kautzky single selective trigger, white bead front and middle sights, highly engraved receiver shows grouse scene on left side, duck scene on right and a fox scene on underside, approximately 40% of case color remaining, checkered walnut stock shows little to no handling marks, right side of stock does have a small stress crack just behind receiver, appears to be restocked but the forearm appears to be original, after market rubber buttpad. Slight dent in left barrel forward of forend. Left side barrel is stamped “Made by AH Fox Gun Co Phila PA USA”, right side barrel is stamped “Chromox Fluid Compressed Steel”. All serial numbers match. Bore diameter: right – .731, left – .730. Bore restrictions: right – .023, left – .039. Chambers: 2-1/2″. Drop at comb: 2″, drop at heel: 3-1/8″. Weight: 7 lbs. 7 oz. LOP: 14″ over 1″ Old English pad. Very good. Estimated Price: $3,000 – $5,000

28g Parker Bros VHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun
28g Parker Bros VHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun

Lot 137: Parker Bros VHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 28 ga. 26″ bbls. Skeet/M chokes. SN 145394. Blued finish on barrels, little to no case color left on receiver, newer checkered walnut stock by Remington and forend show little to no handling marks, bores are slightly dirty but look good, double triggers, steel bead front sight, black pistol-grip cap has the engraved name of prior owner, checkered black plastic buttplate is intact. All serial numbers match. Barrel rib is stamped “Parker Brothers Makers Meriden Conn Vulcan Steel”. Bore diameter: right – .556, left – .559. Bore restrictions: right – .004, left – .012. Chambers: 2-3/4″. Weight: 6 lbs. 10 oz. 0 Frame. Excellent. Estimated Price: $6,000 – $12,000

Ithaca Grade 4E side by side double barrel shotgun. 16 ga
Ithaca Grade 4E side by side double barrel shotgun. 16 ga

Lot 138: Ithaca Grade 4E side by side double barrel shotgun. 16 ga. 30″ bbls. Full/Modified chokes. SN 326745. Blued finish on metal, full case colored receiver, receiver shows a few small areas of light freckling, bores are very dirty, underside of barrel shows an area where the factory sling attachment has been removed and stock shows a hole where the sling stud would have been, double triggers have an oxidized green finish, checkered walnut stock and forend show handling marks, factory black plastic buttplate shows minor chips. All serial numbers match. Estimated Price: $500 – $900

This week’s good guns: Powered by Gunsinternational.com…

E.J. CHURCHILL, SxS Boxlock, Double Barrel Shotgun .410 28” F/F
E.J. CHURCHILL, SxS Boxlock, Double Barrel Shotgun .410 28” F/F

E.J. CHURCHILL, SxS Boxlock, Double Barrel Shotgun .410 28” F/F: English walnut straight grip stock, checkered butt, double triggers, splinter forend, automatic ejectors, 85% barrel bluing and wood finish, 90% vivid case coloring remaining, light handing marks on wood, small and wonderful little gun, includes makers’ case. 14” x 1 1/2” x 2”,  4lbs., 12oz. Price: $18,999

Parker CHE Double Barrel Shotgun 12 Gauge, Straight Hand Grip, 30" bbls
Parker CHE Double Barrel Shotgun 12 Gauge, Straight Hand Grip, 30″ bbls

Parker CHE 12 Gauge, Straight Hand Grip, 30″ bbls: 2 Frame, Very Clean! The action is very clean with some case colors remaining in protected areas, screws are clean, double triggers, tight on the face, the engraving remains sharp. The barrels are 30″ steel with good blue, minor wear to the blue at the hand, bores are very clen, great wall thickness, chokes Full/ Full. The stock is a straight hand/ splinter with good chequering and finish, the stock does not have oil soaking, very minor handling marks, 14 1/4″ LOP to a skeleton butt, the stock is very high at 2 1/4″DAH and 1 1/2″DAC. 7lbs 4oz. Price: $15500

AUG. FRANCOTTE 20 GA. GRADE 20E Double Barrel Shotgun
AUG. FRANCOTTE 20 GA. GRADE 20E Double Barrel Shotgun

AUG. FRANCOTTE 20 GA. GRADE 20E Double Barrel Shotgun: BBLS. 27 3/4″ – CYL/FULL – 2 1/2″ CHAMBERS, SIDEPLATED BOXLOCK, CC 75%, ROUND KNOB SEMI-PISTOL GRIP, LOP 14″ OVER SOLID LEATHERFACED PAD, DOUBLE TRIGGERS, WEIGHS 5 LBS. 7 OZS., OVERBORED , MIN. WALL L.028/ R .022., LOCK UP BY DOUBLE UNDERBITES AND GREENER STYLE CROSSBOLT. SIDECLIPS . Price $4,900

BERETTA - - 426E - 20ga - side-by-side shotgun - 28" M / F - Hand Engraved
BERETTA – – 426E – 20ga – side-by-side shotgun – 28″ M / F – Hand Engraved

BERETTA – – 426E – 20ga – side-by-side shotgun – 28″ M / F – Hand Engraved: 3″ chambers, M / F (.016 / .036), Raised Solid Rib, Ejectors, Single Selective Trigger, Beavertail Forearm, LOP 14-1/4″ with Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-3/8″, Weight 6 lbs. 6 oz. Condition is Excellent Plus – Metal 98+%. Wood has a few very minor marks – nothing through the finish. Price: $2450

WINCHESTER MODEL 101 20 GAUGE OVER UNDER SHOTGUN: 28″ BARRELS, CHOKED MODIFIED AND FULL, 3″ CHAMBERS, 98% OVERALL. Price $1399

WINCHESTER MODEL 101 20 GAUGE OVER UNDER SHOTGUN:
WINCHESTER MODEL 101 20 GAUGE OVER UNDER SHOTGUN:

Auction alert: great high grade Parker doubles in AAHE, CHE, DHE plus GHE, VHE

Little John’s Auction Service annual May antique and sporting guns auction starts tomorrow. There’s a lot of nice doubles there, including these Parker side by sides.  Here a few that really caught my eye:

Parker AAHE Grade Pigeon gun, 12 gauge 2 ¾” chambers, 32” barrels
Parker AAHE Grade Pigeon gun, 12 gauge 2 ¾” chambers, 32” barrels

Lot 560: Parker AAHE Grade Pigeon gun, 12 gauge 2 ¾” chambers, 32” barrels: Serial number 205648. About 240 made. Excellent as restored condition by DelGrego. Barrels show Peerless steel marking. The interior of the barrels are very good plus with 99% plus of the proper color refinish. The action has been lightly polished. The trigger guard has been refinished. The stock remains in excellent as restored. LOP 14 ½”, 1 7/8” drop at the heel, ½” drop at the comb. Wall thickness .29 right and .25 left. . Est.: $35,000- $70,000.

Lot 600: Parker CHE grade 12 gauge double barrel shotgun, 30″ barrels: Serial #118334. English style straight stock, double triggers, auto ejectors, Titanic steel marked barrels, in very good+ to near fine original condition, . The barrels show 75-85% original blue; action retains 40-60% case hardening; the trigger guard has drifted to traces of blue; the stock shows a good grain and fancy checkering, with the forend almost fully checkered. LOP 14-1/2″. The gun locks tight, the bores are bright, and this is a very nice looking collector’s grade Parker. Est.: $6,000-$12,000

Parker CHE grade 12 gauge double barrel shotgun, 30" barrels
Parker CHE grade 12 gauge double barrel shotgun, 30″ barrels
28 gauge Parker CHE double barrel SxS shotgun, OO frame
28 gauge Parker CHE double barrel SxS shotgun, OO frame

Lot 197: Parker VHE grade 20 gauge, SxS shotgun: Fine original condition. Serial #210670. The barrel’s measure 26”. 14 ¼” LOP The barrel’s retain 95% plus bright original blue, action shows 50% to 70% bright original case hardening. Trigger guard shows 50% to 70% thinning original blue.  The gun is completely authentic and not abused. A collectors quality Parker out of a local estate. The barrels are both choked improved modified showing 2 ½” drop at the heel and 1 ½” drop at comb. Full 2 ¾” chambers and the ejectors work well. Est.: $1,400-$2,800.

Parker Brothers 12 gauge GHE grade Factory Skeet, by Remington
Parker Brothers 12 gauge GHE grade Factory Skeet, by Remington

Lot 176: Parker Brothers 12 gauge GHE grade Factory Skeet, by Remington: Serial #241791. In fine to near excellent condition. 26” barrels with ventilated rib, single trigger, auto ejectors, beavertail forend, pistol grip stock, skeleton butt plate. The gun shows 95% to 98% original blue and case hardening with just some slight handling and minor use. The stocks are also fine to near excellent showing a nice burled wood grain. The barrels are both choked cylinder or skeet. 14” LOP. Est.: $7,000 -$14,000.

Lot 1463: 28 gauge Parker CHE double barrel SxS shotgun, OO frame: Serial #184814. Barrels originally 30”, now 26”. English style straight stock, skeleton steel butt plate and checkered butt, serial number 184814. Old factory or Del Greco quality refinish of which and 90% to 95% of this blue finish remains showing good sharp edges and sharp markings with just a few small scratches, slight toning and minor losses. The frame is typically Parker engraved with fancy scrolls showing hunting dog on left and right with game bird on bottom. The frame shows 65% to 85% proper and old-style case hardened colors. Select checkered walnut stocks which of also been lightly refreshed and refinished. The action is tight and the bores are near excellent . Est.: $20,000-$40,000

28 gauge Parker CHE double barrel SxS shotgun, OO frame
28 gauge Parker CHE double barrel SxS shotgun, OO frame

Big prices for Parkers at Julia’s Spring ’09 Auction…

The James D. Julia Auction Company started their spring 2009 firearms auction yesterday, 3/16. Even though the economy stinks, there’s still money out there for good double barrel shotguns.

Several nice Parkers brought big money, although many of them missed their pre-sale estimates. This nice 20g A-1 Special with 32″ bbls hammered down at $95,000 (plus a 15% buyer’s premium). That’s a lot, but quite a bit below the auctioneer’s $120,000 – $150,000 estimate. While the gun is one of just a few 20g A-1 Specials Parker made, it had been “restored” some (reblued barrels, refinished wood) and that hurt it’s value.

This Parker AAHE 20g was another nice gun that went for big money, but failed to reach its low end estimate. The bidding on this one ended at $55,000, just under the pre-sale estimate of $60,000 – $90,000. The bbl and wood on this one had also been refinished – something the big spenders do not like to see.

One nice Parker that did beat its low-end estimate was was this very cool 28g CHE . This gun went to a buyer for $48,000 against an estimate of $30,000 – $60,000. Why did it do well? On top of being a small bore with very unique monte-carlo-style straight gripped stock, it’s excellent original condition. Parker CHE 28 gauge double barrel side by side shotgun at Julia's 2009 spring auctionAlmost all of the original barrel blue and color case hardening are present and the wood looks right too. And when it comes to guns, condition is king. Auction after auction has proven that buyers will pay a fat premium for it.

That being said, this Parker GHE 28g went for $48,000, just shy of it’s low-end estimate of $50,000. This gun was in fantastic, all original condition – pretty much new all around with all its blueing, color-case hardening, and wood finish – and it had great wood and a solid provenance. Parker GHE 28 gauge side by side shotgunEven though it’s a gun I would give my pinkies to own, I think there’s a simple reason it failed to blast past the estimate: the estimate was just too high. Prices for nice Parkers have skyrocket over the last few years. In the case of this gun, I think the auctioneer was bit too hopeful of what this gun was worth today.

On the more affordable side, a few nice Parkers did sell for under $5,000. This damascus-barreled 12g GH went for $2,750 – not a bad price considering all the original condition it had. Parker 12 gauge GH grade double barrel shotgunA gun like this would be a nice place for a new Parker fan to start building a collection.

Julia’s auction continues today, with lots of Colts and other stuff coming up. I’ll report back soon with info on other American doubles along with info on some British stuff, including a Rigby .450 double rifle and beautiful set of Purdey percussion guns.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, let me know.

Gregg@dogsanddoubles.com