GHE | Dogs and Doubles

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

February 19, 2023 by Gregg

DAVID MCKAY BROWN BEST TRIGGER PLATE ROUND ACTION 16 GAUGE: SN# 74XX 27″ SOLID RIB BARRELS (.004 AND .009 CONSTRICTIONS) 2 3/4″ CHAMBERS DOUBLE TRIGGERS EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREND ENGLISH GRIP LEATHER COVER RECOIL PAD EXCELLENT CONDITION 5LBS 15 OZ 2 3/8″ DAH 1 1/2″ DAC 14 3/4″ LOP. Price: $52,500*

Gorgeous & rare, all original Parker GHE 20ga with rare factory options – A&F Gun in excellent unaltered original condition: Beautiful later Parker GHE 20ga made with 26″ barrels, original beavertail forend, double triggers, pistol grip buttstock with original “Parker” Dogs head buttplate. Gun originally ordered through Abercrombie and Fitch. Very rare configuration and all original! The gun remains in beautiful untouched original condition with more than 97% original barrel blue, 50% light original case color, 50% original trigger guard blue and more than 95% original wood finish. Stocks are sound and mechanics are crisp. Gun is tight, on face and screws are excellent and untouched. Buttplate is excellent and original. Bores are brilliant and shiny. Price: $13,950*

BROWNING BSS SIDELOCK/ SCROLL 28″ BBL. 12GA: Barrel Length: 28″ Chambers: 2 3/4″ Rib Design: SMOOTH CONCAVE Weight: 6lb. 11oz. Bore/Chokes Right/Bottom: .729/ .024 IM Bore/Chokes Left/Top: .728/ .048 FULL. Drop At Comb: 1 5/8″ Drop At Face: 2 1/16″ 4 1/2″ Drop At Heel: 2 1/2″ Cast At Face: 1/8″ OFF 4 1/2″ Cast At Heel: 1/8″ OFF Length Of Pull:14 3/8″ Pitch:2″ 4 DEGREES COIN FINISHED, SCROLL ENGRAVED SIDELOCK ACTION DOUBLE TRIGGERS EJECTORS STRAIGHT GRIP STOCK W/ CHECKERED BUTT SPLINTER FOREARM Circa:1984/ SERIAL # 01001PW918 Number: C9153 Price: $5,595*

Beretta 470 Silver Hawk 12 Gauge – ULTRALIGHT, DELUXE WOOD: Beretta, Year 1998, 12 Gauge, 6lbs 8oz, Chokes IC/IM, LOP 14 1/2″, DAH 2 1/4″, DAC 1 3/8″ Serial Number: S02474A The Beretta Silver Hawk is a robustly manufactured gun that is known for top-quality steels and manufacturing methods from the world’s oldest firearms manufacturer, Beretta of Italy. There are not many of these guns being offered for sale, and when you do see one it has seen hard use and shows it. This gun is unique in that it has seen little use and it has a very crisp SINGLE TRIGGER FOR THOSE COLD DAYS HUNTING WITH HEAVY GLOVES. This fine Beretta, snS02474A made in 1998, is a notably different gun than any other you might find for sale. First, it has wood that has far nicer figure than any other you will see. It also does not have the “monobloc” barrel construction that shows a seam just forward of the chambers, which I find unappealing to the eye. Then we look at the weight of 6 ½ lbs. and balanced dead on the hinge pin and you have incredible dynamics not found in many of the newer Beretta Silver Hawk 12-gauge guns. This Silver Hawk also has 3” factory chambers and fixed chokes set at IC/IM (the perfect upland chokes), which is the way a traditionally oriented side x side shooter would prefer having their chokes arranged in a fine bird gun. Another unique feature found in this Beretta is selective ejectors, meaning you can move a “switch” and turn off the auto-ejectors and have an extractor gun at will…nice! Adorned with a bullet-proof single selective trigger, you can choose to shoot the left, fuller choked barrel first for incoming targets like ducks and doves, or the more open right barrel first for flushing birds like pheasants…another nice touch. The nicely engraved receiver retains all the chrome finish and has perfect screws and mechanics. The gun comes with its original Beretta hard case and all accessories, a $300 value. You won’t find a nicer-looking Silver Hawk and the price is right for this ultra-light, fully optioned side by side. Price: $4,250*

Sauer Royal Model Deluxe 16GA Boxlock Ejector SxS: 28 MF, 2 3/4 chambers, made in 1951. Tight action, perfect ejectors. Mint original condition. LOP 14 1/4″. Price: $2,950*

*FYI: DogsandDoubles.com is a not a gun dealer. We do not sell firearms. We do not have an FFL. The guns you see listed here are from Gunsinternational.com, a site DogsandDoubles.com is not affiliated with in any way. The accuracy of these listings from Gunsinternational.com has not been verified by Dogs and Doubles. All information and images have been provided by the sellers. Buyers are responsible for verifying the physical condition and specifications of the listed items. Dogs and Doubles suggests you and a qualified gunsmith physically inspect an item before purchasing.

Any statements made on DogsandDoubles.com regarding a firearm’s condition, originality, safety, value, or suitability to use are opinions only. These statements have not been verified. They are not guaranteed to be accurate or correct in any way.

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

January 16, 2023 by Gregg

JULES BURY BEST SIDE-BY-SIDE SIDELOCK SHOTGUN: From Liege in Belgium and hand finished by one of Belgium’s most distinguished gunmakers Lebeau Courally. H&H style action with exquisite engraving and beautiful wood. Manufacturer: Jules Bury Model: Best Caliber Info: 12 Gauge Ejectors: Yes Condition: New Metal Condition: New Barrels: 28 3/8″ Action: Sidelock: Side by Side Triggers: Double Gauge: 12 Gauge Stock Comb: 1 1/2″ Stock Heel: 2 1/4″ Stock Cast: Off Fore End: Splinter LOP: 14 3/4″ Rib: Concave File Cut Chokes: IC/M Price: $22,050*

John Rigby & Co. SxS Hammer Dbl. Rifle: #1220A JOHN RIGBY & CO. DBL. RIFLE,450 X 3 1/4”, SN 156XX, 26” bbl., receiver nicely engraved in a floral pattern, outside hammers with hammer safeties, folding peep sight folds to use open sights, 2 leaf rear sight, ivory bead front sight, checkered PG stock with PG cap, checkered steel buttplate, rib marked “John Rigby & Comp. Dublin & London”, exc. bores, 99% blue on bbls., 95% casehardening colors on receiver thinning, retracking firing pins, oak & leather John Rigby & Comp. case with label inside lid, complete with mold, cartridges & re & decapper, bullet seating tool, extra parts in ivory container, top of case stamped with “JA Jameson”. Antique: Yes Rifle Caliber: .450/400 3 1/4″. Price: $12,000*

Parker – GHE Grade, SxS, **RARE #1 Frame**, 12ga. 28″ Barrels Choked F/F:
Special steel barrels, perfect untouched screws, 20% case color hardening, numerous small nicks in wood, dogs head butt plate, double trigger, auto ejector, splinter forend, completely original gun, pistol grip, just a very nice honest gun from an estate, very nice condition. 6 lbs. 12 oz. 14″ x 1 3/4″ x 3″ Price: $5,250*

Browning Superposed Superlight 20 ga Grade 1 OU Shotgun: Offered for sale is a 20-gauge Browning Belgium Superposed Superlight manufactured in 1970. This dynamic upland bird gun has 26 ½ inch vented rib barrels, choked Improved Cylinder/Modified, 2 ¾ inch chambers. This Superlight sports a rounded frame, a slim field forearm, a straight walnut stock with a long tang trigger guard, safety tang with barrel selector, rubber recoil pad and grade 1 scroll engraving. The stock measures LOP 14 ½, DAC 1 1/2 and DAH 2 1/8. Overall, this gun weighs in at 6 lbs. This shotgun has a little character wear at the carry points and few scratches from days in the field but overall this is a nice Superposed that locks up good and tight. Shotgun Gauge: 20 Gauge Manufacturer: Browning Model: Superposed Superlight Grade I Barrel Length: 26 1/2″ Stock Comb: 1 1/2″ Stock Heel: 2 1/8″ LOP: 14 1/4″ Weight: 6 lbs Manufacture Date: 1970 Chokes: IC / Mod Price: $3,900*

RIZZINI AURUM SCALED FRAME 28GA 30” GAME SCENE & SCROLL ENGRAVED CASE COLORED ACTION EXCELLENT CONDITION IN BOX WITH ALL PAPERWORK AND ACCESSORIES: Rizzini Aurum 28ga 30″ vent rib barrels with excellent bores 3″ chamber All five original chokes cylinder-full LOP 14 1/2″ DAC 1 7/16″ DAH 2 1/4″ Cast off 1/4″ 5lbs 13 oz Game scene and scroll engraved case colored action. Original box with all paperwork and accessories. Excellent condition scaled frame gun with very little use. Price: $3,000

* FYI: DogsandDoubles.com is a not a gun dealer. We do not sell firearms. We do not have an FFL. The guns you see listed here are from Gunsinternational.com, a site DogsandDoubles.com is not affiliated with in any way. The accuracy of these listings from Gunsinternational.com has not been verified by Dogs and Doubles. All information and images have been provided by the sellers. Buyers are responsible for verifying the physical condition and specifications of the listed items. Dogs and Doubles suggests you and a qualified gunsmith physically inspect an item before purchasing.

Original or redone? You decide. A 28g Parker GHE Skeet ….

February 17, 2021 by Gregg

Parker Brothers GHE Skeet SXS 28g 26" — Parker Brothers GHE Skeet SXS 28g 26″

Welcome to another round of original or redone! I asked the same questions about this 20g GHE the other day. The answer was “all original”.

What do you think about this 28g Parker GHE SKEET gun?

At first glance, this old SxS looks pretty original. But when you look closer and do a little research, that changes.

Parker records show this double was made in 1936 with a beavertail forend, single trigger, 26″ barrels, and ejectors. The records also say it was made with an English-style straight-grip stock. As you can see, it now has a pistol-grip stock. Problem? Maybe.

Markings on the barrels that show the gun went back to Parker in 1937 for repairs. Did Parker restock it at that time? If they did restock, the stock looks barely used — unlike the barrels and the back of the triggerguard.

Turnbull Restorations confirmed they recolored the action. They may have reblued the triggerguard, too. The blueing on the barrels looks good, but it may have been redone (if you’re recoloring the action, why not reblue the bbls, too?).

That red bead on the front of the bbls is another head scratcher. It could be original Parker did offer those red beads as options back when this gun was made.

Regardless of originality this gun still hammered down for almost $26,000. Why? Because it’s scarce, and even though it’s not all original it’s still a nice vintage American double.

Original or redone? You decide. A 20g Parker GHE …

February 10, 2021 by Gregg

Parker Brothers GHE Grade 2 Blue 28" 20g — Parker Brothers GHE Grade 2 Blue 28″ 20g

Original condition is THE most important factor to consider when determining the value of old shotgun — especially a classic American SxS like this Parker GHE.

Guns with more original condition are worth more; guns with less are worth less — and sometimes worthless.

To complicate things, a lot of vintage guns have been redone (AKA refinished). Some have had their barrels reblued, and their actions recolored actions. Some have had their wood refinished and checkering recut. Others have had all this done to them and more.

Most refinished guns stand out like pen-raised quail. But some are trickier, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can make an expensive mistake.

So what do you think of this Parker? Original or redone? Scroll down to find out.

This Parker GHE 20g SXS is….ORIGINAL.

It was built by Remington in Ilion, New York, and it was one of the last Parker shotguns ever made.

2 important issues with yesterday’s 20g Parker GHE …

October 14, 2020 by Gregg

Yesterday, 10/14, I posted an online auction alert for this shotgun:

Parker Brothers Hammerless GHE Grade 2 Frame Size 0, Caliber: 20ga, Barrel: 26″, Bore Condition

Today, I learned that I missed two issues it has thanks to a person following Dogs and Doubles on Facebook. Because of these issues, I’m shifting my “recommended” to a “be forewarned”.

ISSUE 1: The checkering pattern on the forend is incorrect for a GH-grade Parker.

Checkering recut to the wrong pattern for a GH-grade Parker

It should look like this:

Correct forend checkering for a GH-grade Parker

ISSUE 2: The “2 3/4 SHELL” stamp on the barrel flats was not put there by the maker.

This "2 3/4 SHELL" mark is not original — This “2 3/4 SHELL” mark is not original

While the incorrect checkering pattern doesn’t bother me much, that 2 3/4 SHELL stamp gives me pause. Was it put there to inform — or deceive? And what should you make of it?

Chamber-lengths on older Parker shotguns are a confusing topic and trying to figure them out makes my head hurt. From what I can figure out, this 20g GHE was probably made with 2 3/8″ chambers for low-pressure 2 1/2″ shells.

No, that’s not a typo: 2 3/8″ chambers for 2 1/2″ ammo. Parker often bored chambers 1/8″ short, believing it improved shot patterns.

Once 2 3/4″ became the standard shell length for American-made game loads, gunsmiths and gunmakers often lengthened short chambers to 2 3/4″.

So is that what happened with this gun? Sort of. If the chambers really are 2 3/4″, a gunsmith — not Parker or Remington — did the work. As for the stamp, it’s not from the factory. But the person who had the gun redone may have asked to have the chambers opened and the gunsmith obliged and marked his work.

Or maybe a gunsmith opened the chambers to 2 3/4″ before the gun was redone and then later someone else added the mark to make the longer chambers appear original. Possible, but unlikely.

Regardless, one thing we do know for certain is if you were to buy this gun, you need to have a qualified gunsmith take a close look at the barrels and action to be sure everything is still in sound, safe, and shootable condition.

And even if they are, remember that you can’t shoot modern, high-pressure 2 3/4″ loads in this gun. You must still use vintage-style shotgun ammo.

Online auction alert: 20g Parker Brothers GHE, no reserve …

October 13, 2020October 14, 2020 by Gregg

UPDATE: BEFORE BIDDING, READ ABOUT 2 IMPORTANT ISSUES THIS SHOTGUN HAS

Normally, I’m not the biggest fan of refinished shotguns.

Why? Because most of them are refinished incorrectly, and most of the refinished Parkers out there are overpriced.

Fortunately, the refinished 20g Parker GHE you see here doesn’t have either of these issues. As you can see, whoever refinished did an excellent job. It’s being auctioned off now at Gunbroker.com. There’s no reserve on the listing and it ends 10/18/2020 @ 9:00 PM.

The “GHE” in “Parker GHE” designates the gun’s grade (GH) plus the fact that it has ejectors (E). GH-grade Parkers were the company’s middle-quality guns. Shooters liked them, and the company sold more than 30,000 GH-grades.

The vast majority of these guns were 12 gauges. So a 20-gauge like this is not that common — especially a 20-gauge with ejectors and a straight grip.

Parker Brothers Hammerless GHE Grade 2 Frame Size 0, Caliber: 20ga, Barrel: 26″, Bore Condition: Excellent:

This is a no reserve penny auction for a Parker Brothers Hammerless GHE Grade 2 Frame Size 0 side by side shotgun in 20ga with Ejectors! Serial number- 176719. 14″ LOP from front Trigger. We are unsure of the chokes but took close-ups of all markings so please refer to the pictures. 2 3/4″ Chamber. Drop at comb is 1.75″, drop at heel is 3″. This piece is in Excellent condition and also comes with the case, cleaning rods, snap caps, and everything pictured! We believe this shotgun was manufactured in 1917 and was restored by DelGreco. Grade 2 has a higher quality of American walnut. The barrels are made of Parker Special Steel and feature unique engravings of a multitude of game birds. Ejectors were an option on GH grade. These guns with ejectors (GHE) are desirable to collectors and can add as much as 50% to their collector value. The GH Grade filled a gap between the lower grade or “knockabout” guns and the higher grade or “fine” guns, offering a finer quality fit and finish, engraving and style in a gun which could still be taken to the field without feeling like you’re ruining a presentation piece. We took several photos to help you evaluate this gun’s condition. Please review the photos and zoom in to see the details! This is a used gun so there may be signs of use and wear. If there is not a magazine in the photos or stated in the description, then one is NOT included with the gun.

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

September 29, 2019 by Gregg

F.lli Piotti King I Sidelock I 20 Gauge I Sidelock: 28″ Chokes: IC – M L.O.P. : 14 3/4″ Drop: 1 1/2″C x 2 1/4″H Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz Ser. #: 9189 Price: $25,900

PURDEY “LIGHTWEIGHT”, 12 gauge, 1937: This little Purdey is amazing. It is very close to the way it left the makers in 1937. It is safe to say that the blue and case color show at least 90% of their original glow. The barrels are 26″ with 2 5/8″ chambers, proofed for 1 1/8oz., choked cylinder and improved cylinder. The stock measures 14 1/2″ with 1 1/2″ drop at comb and 2 1/2.” at heel. The gun weighs 6 1/4 lbs. Checkering is sharp and both stock and forend are sound, no blemishes or repairs. This little gun hasn’t been out very much. Now for the wonderful surprise. The case includes all of the original tools, unused. As pictured, they include: three turnscrews, oil bottle, bore and chamber brushes, a field pull through, various small brushes and a stuck case remover, all in their leather pouches. There is a spare set of firing pins, with their springs, housed in an ivory bottle. And the case is original for the gun. Reduced price is firm and includes 2 flats of RST ammo. Price: $22,500

Parker – GHE, 12ga, 100% New: 30” barrels choked Mod./Full, 1 ½ frame, late Parker/Remington production that is 100% new with very minor handling marks. Double trigger, automatic ejector, pistol grip, long length of pull, original factory pad. One of the highest conditioned guns we have ever owned. Collector quality, guaranteed authentic. It has all of the original trigger guard blue and even the forend has all the original case color. This gun is just new, untouched and authentic. If you are looking for the best, here it is. Price: $14,995

WINCHESTER MODEL 21 PRE WAR 16 GAUGE: #67XX, 26″ IC AND MOD 2 3/4″, SINGLE SELECT TRIGGER, EJECTORS, BEAVERTAIL FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, CHECKERED BUTT, MINTY ORIGINAL CONDITION, 6LBS 14 OZ, 2 7/16″ DAH, 1 9/16″ DAC, 14 1/2″ LOP Price: $7,950

A.H.Fox 16ga. Sterlingworth 30″ Barrels: Built-in Philadelphia in 1926. This gun has the hard to find 30″ barrels choked modified .015″ and full .035″.The gun is in outstanding all original condition. It retains 98% of the original case colors, 99% of the original barrel blue, and 98% of the original wood finish. All screws are still timed and appear to be unturned. The bores are mint with no dents, rust, or pits. The stock is sound with no cracks or damage. The top lever is far to the right and the barrels lock up with no play. This gun has been shot very little. I used it on doves this season and it handles and patterns beautifully. At 6 lbs 2 ounces, it would make a great walk up pheasant gun. Very hard to find in the configuration and condition. Price: $2995

Auction alert: 16g Parker GHE, No Reserve ….

October 23, 2018October 22, 2018 by Gregg

1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28" Shotgun — 1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28″ Shotgun

Classic. American. Grouse gun. Here it is, and it’s on Gunbroker.com now, being auctioned off at no reserve. The listing ends 11/4/2018 @ 8:43 PM.

The Parker GHE (a quality GH gun with Ejectors), was a lower, middle-grade gun in its day. Parker called it “a gun of exceptional value,” so it wasn’t cheap, but it offered a lot of nice features at a fair price.

This one is in what I would called “honest wear” condition. It looks like it was shot a lot, and a lot of the original finish is gone. There’s a pronounced crack in the forend, too. But that crack looks fixable and the rest of the gun looks sound.

1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28" Shotgun1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28" Shotgun — 1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28″ Shotgun

1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28″ Shotgun: This Parker Brothers shotgun shows a Serial Number of: 235828. Length of Pull measures 13.5″ to back trigger. Length of Pull measures 14.5 to the forward trigger. Manufacture date is listed as 1931. This classic representation has Upland Game Scenes engraved on the frame. Barrel length is listed at 28″. In the select world of vintage American double barrel shotguns, the name Parker Brothers stands in a class of their own. The Parker Gun Collectors Association has done a great job fostering knowledge on these fine guns, which many believe to be America’s finest. This GHE shows:

Serial Stamp is 235828.
Frame Size “1”
“16/1” on the barrel lug
Barrel flat shows 3 1 indicating barrel weight.
Watertable is stamped GH indicating grade.
Barrel is stamped “Special Steel”
Watertable is stamped “2”

This 1931 example is in very fine condition showing a proud degree of the original blue finish and case coloring. The select grade American hardwood stock and forearm show a rich texture and grain profile. The original dog’s head buttplate is featured and also remains in excellent condition. The lettering and engraving and screws are all in superb condition and look clocked properly along the axis of the gun. The triggers are crisp and break clean. There are fewer and fewer 16ga. Parkers with 28” Parker Special Steel barrels remaining original condition. The forearm shows small imperfections but remains solid throughout. A most gorgeous Parker Brother SXS Shotgun for your consideration. We have opened the gun and photographed the internal proofs in detail.

5 doubles you don’t want to miss…

April 8, 2018 by Gregg

John Dickson & Son 12 gauge wonderful Round Action S/S Shotgun with original nitro proofed Damascus barrels: Price: $14,900
Antique: Yes
Model: BEST Trigger plate action
Serial Number: 4386
Ejectors: Yes
Barrels: 29″
Barrel Type: Damascus
Action: Trigger plate
Gauge: 12 gauge
Stock Comb: 1 7/16″
Stock Heel: 2 3/16″
Stock Cast: 3/8″
LOP: 16″ (14″ original wo
Weight: 6 lbs. 3 oz.
Choke Left: .013 IC
Choke Right: .008 Skeet II
Proof:Nitro: 2 1/2″
Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .022
Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .023

Browning BSS BOTTLE Sporter set 12 Ga. and 20 Ga. SxSs: Bottle Sporter set consisting of 12 Ga. and 20 Ga.side X side. This model got its nickname from a Mr. Bottles sporting store in Wichita, KS, who special ordered 100 sets of these guns in 1976.These guns have straight grip sporter stocks. The receivers are engraved with wild turkey and wood duck inlays, the shoulders are sculpted and engraved Exhibition grade walnut wood was used. These guns come with there own Browning airways case. They are still unfired and new in box. These guns would cap off any Browning Collection. Price: $11,750.00

Parker GHE Grade 2 16 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun, 28” Barrels Pistol Grip Stock Splinter Forearm: Serial number 203985. 28” barrels, 2 ¾” chambers, chokes measure .008 right and .023 left. Barrels retain

95% original bluing with light handling marks. Rib has a single silver bead and is marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT. U.S.A. PARKER SPEC. STEEL”. Bores are clean and shiny. 0 frame retains 30% original case coloring. Trigger guard retains 70% original bluing. Double triggers, ejectors and automatic safety. Pistol grip stock and forearm have had varnish added and have numerous light handling marks. Length of pull: 14 1/2” to the front trigger over a red recoil pad. Drop at comb: 1 1/2″. Drop at heel: 2 3/4″. Weight: 6.4 lbs. Mechanics are good. Price: $8975

Ithaca – Flues 4E – 20 ga – SxS – Double Barrel Shotgun: Price: $3,500.00
Action: Boxlock
Ejectors: Yes

Trigger: Double
Grip: Pistol Grip
Forend: Checkered
Lop: 14 ”
Pad thickness: 1 ”
Type of butt: Rubber Pad
Drop comb: 1 5/8 ”
Drop heel: 2 1/2 ”
Cast amount: 1/8 ”
Cast: Off
Weight: 6 lbs
Manufacture Year: Finish: Case Colored
Overall condition: Good
Stock condition: Good
Metal condition: Good
Stock: Original finish
Metal: Original finish

Barrel info:
Gauge: 20 ga
Chamber: 2 3/4 ”
Length: 26 ”
Chokes: M/M
Rib type: Flat File Cut
Comments: Gun has some wear and handling, pad will need to be replaced.

Francotte 14E 12ga. SXS Boxlock Ejector w/30 inch ejector barrels. A beautiful 1931 gun in exc. condition: This 14E is a fine quality gun with a considerable original finish. The Belgium Francottes can compete with the finest guns ever made. Unaltered except for the recoil pad–it features 30-inch barrels with ejectors that have fine bores–mirror bright. The chokes are Mod and Full–.021 and .037. Considerable case colors remain, even on the triggers–signifying low usage. The stock dimensions are a very shootable 14 1/2 x 1 7/16 x 2 1/4 inches. The mechanics and screws are excellent. Toplever to the right. Built is 1931 and imported by Von Lengerkt & Detmold in New York City–this gun ended up on a farm in Buck Co. Pa. A pheasant shooter for sure that would make a nice clays gun too. It weighs 7-3 and carries nicely. Price: $2750

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

April 23, 2017 by Gregg

WESTLEY RICHARDS BEST DROPLOCK SXS RIFLE 600 NITRO: 24″ BARRELS WITH A SINGLE LEAF 1/4 RIB REAR AND A HOODED PATENTED WESTLEY NIGHT SITE FRONT DOUBLE TRIGGERS EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP TEST FIRED ONLY IN MAKERS OAK & LEATHER CASE 15 1/4 LBS . LOP: 14 3/4″. Price: $99,500

Winchester Model 21 Deluxe 20ga. 2-barrel set: 28” barrels choked Mod/Full and interchangeable 28” barrels choked WS1/WS2. Vent rib, single selective trigger, selective ejector, non-auto safety. Capped pistol grip, checkered butt, highly figured feather crotch walnut, marked deluxe on floor plate with factory letter indicating that. Multi point deluxe checkering. Very special gun in as new condition with Cody Letter. 14” x 1 ½” x 2 ¼” 6lbs 14oz. Price: $13,995

Parker GHE Grade 2 20 Gauge 28” Barrels Pistol Grip Stock Splinter Forearm: This Parker has 28” barrels with 2 ¾” chambers and choke constrictions that measure .001 right and .014 left. The bore diameters measure .617 right and .618 left. The barrels retain 95% original bluing with freckling in several areas, some light scratches, thinning in areas and wear from the forend. The rib has a single silver bead and is marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT. U.S.A. PARKER SPEC. STEEL”. The bores are clean and shiny. The 0 frame retains 60% original case coloring. The trigger guard retains 10% original bluing. The forend iron has little finish left. Double triggers, ejectors and automatic safety. The pistol grip stock and forearm have had varnish added. They retain most of their finish with some thinning in the grip area and various light handling marks. The length of pull is 14” to the front trigger over a Parker hard rubber butt plate. Drop at comb: 1 1/4″. Drop at heel: 2 3/8″. Weight: 6.25 lbs. Mechanics are excellent. Price: $12,500

IVER JOHNSON – SKEET-ER 410 GAUGE – 28″ – D.T. : PISTOL GRIP STOCK LOP 14 1/16″ OVER LOGO BUTTPLATE – DOUBLE TRIGGERS – RECEIVER BLUE 90% – TOP LEVER WELL RIGHT OF CENTER. Price: $4,450

1998 – Beretta – 686 Onyx – 28ga, 28″: Mobichoke Barrels, LOP 14-1/2″, Drop 1-9/16″ to 2-1/2″, Weight 6 lbs. 2 oz. Condition: Metal 99%, Wood 98+% – just a couple of minor handling marks. Price: $1775

Elusive & mysterious: The 12g Parker half frame ….

November 20, 2015 by Gregg

Parker VHE Side by Side Shotgun ½ Frame 12 Gauge 28” Barrels Pistol Grip Stock Splinter Forearm

Parker shotguns are filled with myths and mysteries:The true origins of the Czar’s Parker; the whereabouts of the three Invincibles. While some of the mysteries have been solved, others, like the “why” of the 1/2 Frame, remain.

Parker started building 1/2 guns in the fall of 1937–after the company had been sold to Remington and moved to Ilion, NY. Before the internet, a serious Parker collector would have been lucky to see one of these doubles in his lifetime. Today, thanks to a wired world, you can check out three of them.

Parker GHE Grade 2 Side by Side Shotgun ½ Frame 12 Gauge 28” Barrels Pistol Grip Stock Splinter Forearm

Parker VHE Side by Side Shotgun ½ Frame 12 Gauge 28” Barrels Pistol Grip Stock Splinter Forearm

Rare Parker GHE Grade 2 Side by Side Shotgun 12 Gauge ½ Frame 28” Barrels Pistol Grip Splinter Forearm

Michael McIntosh wrote a bit about the 1/2 frame. He speculated that it was Parker’s attempt to create a British-style, 12g gamegun (basically a 12g weighs around 6 3/4 lbs and shooting a 1 1/8oz load). In Parker Guns: The Old Reliable, fellow author Ed Muderlak disagreed and dedicated a full chapter and 10+ pages of his book to prying apart McIntosh’s thesis.

Neither proved anything. One just told better tale while the other presented a sounder argument. But at the end of Chapter 5: Circumstantial Evidence, Muderlak states the one thing we really know about these shotguns: “… nobody knows what Remington had on its corporate mind when it retooled for the half-frame in 1937.”

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

July 19, 2015 by Gregg

W. & C. Scott "Victoria" grade SxS 16g hammergun in fantastic conditionW. & C. Scott "Victoria" grade SxS 16g hammergun in fantastic condition — W. & C. Scott “Victoria” grade SxS 16g hammergun in fantastic condition

W. & C. Scott “Victoria” grade SxS 16g hammergun in fantastic condition! Exquisite engraving and the Damascus pattern is fantastic. What else can I say. Well, I forgot to mention the stunning craftsmanship and hammers of the highest quality while the action has over 50% original case color remaining. Need I say more! I love this 16g. hammer gun. Price: $6,200

Ithaca Grade 4E 16 Gauge SxS Shotgun. FLUES, 97% FACTORY CASE COLOR, NICE! Year 1920, 16 Gauge, 7lbs 4oz. This gun, sn330025 built in 1920 is a great example, with 97% vivid factory case color, 92% factory barrel blue, 98% factory trigger guard blue, and near new highly figured factory finished wood with beautiful flor-de-lis checkering. This is a HIGH CONDITION FACTORY ORIGINAL GUN. Even the jewelling at the breech face is still evident. The only thing that seems to be altered since the gun left the factory are the chokes, as the gun is stamped “4 & 4″ which would indicate F/F chokes. The 28” barrels are presently choked IC/M (.007/.017) with their double ivory beads and mirror bores. This is a gun for heavy work, with minimum wall thickness of 36 thousandths and weighing 7 1/4lbs. What a great sporting clays gun or pheasant gun for heavy loads! Engraved by the famous Joseph Loy, with his trademark signature, the gun is near new in all ways, including being tight on breech face and hinge pin like a new gun. This is a single trigger gun that still has the ornate factory butt plate and great stock dimensions. A great investment in an American treasure. Price: $5,250

Parker Reproduction 28ga 28in M/F Double Trigger: A minty 28ga Parker repro with double triggers splinter and a pistol grip 14 1/4 LOP to skeleton butt cased with snap caps. Price: $4,995

MERKEL MODEL 220 OVER UNDER DOUBLE RIFLE 9.3X74R: 26″ BARREL WITH 1/4 RIB SIGHT AND CLAW MOUNTS WITH NO RINGS DOUBLE SET TRIGGER EJECTORS 3 PIECE FOREARM PISTOL GRIP EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH LIGHT HANDLING MARKS 8LBS 4 OZ X 14 LOP. Price: $4,950

Parker GH 12 – Damascus, Collector Quality: Parker GH, 12 Gauge. Serial No. 56625, circa 1889, It has 30″ Damascus steel barrels. The stock is PG, choked, RH Mod., LH Full. LOP is 14″, DAH 2.5″.Weight 7.5 lbs. Rare No. 1 frame.

Condition: 98% case colors, sharp engraving, screws are indexed correctly and doesn’t appear to have been dissaembled . The barrel pattern and finish are fine with some wear. I believe is has the original wood finish and checkering. The wood is proud of the receiver and the checkering has appropriate wear from carrying.The bores are smooth and clear. An orginal Parker canvas gun case and a rosewood cleaning rod are included with the gun. The PGCA Letter is included. This is one of the nicest 12 gauge Parkers I’ve owned. It points and shoots exceptionally well. A nice piece for the trap range or the man cave. Price: $3,995

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

June 9, 2014 by Gregg

ALEXANDER HENRY HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE .500 BPE

ALEX HENRY HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE 500 BPE: 28″ DAMASCUS BARRELS WITH 3 LEAF EXPRESS SIGHT AND PERFECT BORES DOUBLE TRIGGER EXTRACTORS SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION WITH LIGHT WEAR AND MAKERS CASE 8LBS 7 OZ X 14 1/4. Price: $12,500

L.C. SMITH HUNTER ARMS SPECIALTY GRADE SxS SHOTGUN 20 GAUGE: 30″ BARRELS, FULL & FULL, VERY GOOD BLUE, MIRROR BORES. AUTOMATIC EJECTORS, HUNTER SINGLE SELECTIVE TRIGGER. FEATHERWEIGHT FRAME, UNTURNED SCREWS, LIGHT CASE COLOR, TYPICAL ENGRAVING WITH GAME BIRDS AND SCROLLWORK. PISTOL GRIP STOCK, SPLINTER FOREARM, NICELY FIGURED WOOD, EXCELLENT WOOD AND CHECKERING. ORIGINAL GRIP CAP AND BUTTPLATE. GREAT DIMENSIONS 1 1/2″ X 2 5/8″ X 14″, 6 POUNDS 2 OUNCES. L C SMITH RECORDS, LETTER INCLUDED. MADE IN 1925, 100% ORIGINAL CONDITION. SCARCE GUN. Price: $5,800

PARKER GHE 12 GAUGE DOUBLE BARREL SHOTGUN: 32″ damascus steel barrels choked full & full. Auto ejector’s, double triggers, and deluxe checkered wood. LOP: 14 3/8″ to a dogs head buttplate. COMB: 1 1/2″ HEEL: 2 1/2″ Weight: 8lbs 6oz. Retaining 97% plus original barrel finish and pattern. The frame showing 95-97% original case colors. Triggerguard bow and tang 97% plus original bright blue. Super wood and checkering. Bores are mint. Price: $4950

Francotte model 14E 20ga Boxlock Ejector: 26″ barrels choked modified(.017″) and full(.027″).Semi pistol grip stock,double triggers,ejectors.Imported in the 1930s by V,L,&D.Weighs 6-4.2 3/4″ chambers.Stock dimensions are 143/8″ LOP,1 5/8″ at comb, and 2 3/4″ at heel.Nicely engraved.A fine little upland bird gun. Price: $4,000

B. Rizzini Aurum Classic O/U 20 gauge: 28″ barrels,10 choke tubes. English grip, field forend. DAC 1 1/2″ DAH 2 1/4″ CAST 1/8″ off LOP 14 5-8″ to checkered butt. 6lbs 4oz. Gun is in excellent condition. Price $2,400

Good gun alert: a nice looking 12g Parker GHE…

February 25, 2014 by Gregg

If you’re looking for a classic American shotgun that’s perfect for wild pheasants, here it is: a straight-gripped, 12 gauge Parker GHE, built on a 1 1/2 frame. It’s looks pretty original, and $2850 should be decent deal — especially with that straight-gripped stock and great dimensions.

12 gauge Parker GHE Double Barrel Shotgun: Double trigger. All original except the era correct Jostam butt pad. Barrels are 30″, uncut. Bluing is original overall in good shape but has some discoloration. There are some remaining case colors with original patina. Original wood. Handling marks. A really, nice honest gun. Unrestored. The rt. bore is .732. the left bore is .731. The rt. choke is .028(IM). The left choke is .037(full). This one and one half frame gun weighs in at 7lbs 4oz’s. LOP is 14.5″. DAC is 1.5″. DAH is 2.25″.

I would rate this gun overall at 80%. It is original and everything works well including the ejectors. Selling well below Blue Book. I am selling this at about the 30% rating in the Blue Book. It is a wonderful gun for a lot of different shooting. The bores are mirror. Parker Special Steel barrels. Everything checks out correctly in the Parker gun serialization book.Serial number series is 212xxx somewhere between 1924 and 1925. Price: $2850.

A sweet little 20 gauge Parker Bros. GHE double barrel shotgun…

January 7, 2014January 7, 2014 by Gregg

PARKER GHE 20 GAUGE SIDE BY SIDE SHOTGUN WITH 30" BARRELS — PARKER GHE 20 GAUGE SIDE BY SIDE SHOTGUN WITH 30″ BARRELS

In his book Parker Guns: The Old Reliable, Ed Muderlak said something like “Parker shotguns aren’t rare. But Parker shotguns with lots original condition are.” Ed was right- of course. I live within a couple hours of a few large gun shops. These shops always have a few Parker on their racks. But rarely are these shotguns very original.

Original condition is everything to collectors, and that’s why Parkers like the one you see here drives them crazy. Made in 1923, it’s a 20 gauge G.H. with unusual 30″ barrels and what looks like a ton of original condition.

PARKER GHE 20 GAUGE SIDE BY SIDE SHOTGUN WITH 30″ BARRELS: RIGHT BARREL BORE .616 CHOKE .011 IMPROVED CYLINDER, LEFT BARREL BORE .618 CHOKE .022 IMPROVED MODIFIED, 2 3/4″ CHAMBERS, DOUBLE TRIGGERS, EJECTORS, TWIN IVORY SIGHT BEADS, O FRAME, 14 1/4″ LENGTH OF PULL OVER DOGS HEAD BUTTPLATE, DROP 1 1/2″- 2 3/4″, 98% BARREL BLUE, 95% TRIGGER GUARD BLUE, 85% CASE COLOR, WOOD FINISH EXCELLENT, NICE TIGHT AND CRISP PARKER. PRICE: $10,999

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

March 18, 2009 by Gregg

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. Almost 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. Even 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. A 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