Parker DHE shotguns, original VS a Reproduction

[@nhflyrodder1334]

I have been fortunate to own a DHE repro 28 ga two barrel set since 1995. It has been my go to bird gun for all these years. While not as pristine as the one you are showing, the wear on it is from honest use from being in the field. It is a sweet little gun to carry and shoot.

[@DogsandDoubles]

I agree!

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Sounds like a sweetheart of a bird gun. I’ve been 28 addicted since 04’ and just now have my first (and quitenice) 28 sxs. I don’t know why I waited so long.

[@wholeNwon]

I'm lucky to have 2 VH Parkers. Paid 42 for the first, many years ago and 150 for the second. Both are in very good condition. Unfortunately the second has been restocked but the choice of walnut was really good, a beautiful piece of wood and properly fitted. The DHE you showed does not have the DHBP, reducing its value to collectors.

[@ChrisWindschitl]

Really appreciate your attitude & help for us novices. Your quick response to my question was much appreciated. I have subscribed & given you a thumbs up. Keep up the good work.🙂sorry again for my typing error.

[@Wearyman]

My dad got an original Parker VH as an inheritance from his brother, who had gotten it from an uncle. I was privileged to be allowed to gently clean it and preserve it. (it was in impressively good condition to start with, I was mostly just wiping dust and old oil off of it prior to preservation with Renaissance wax) What a gorgeous gun. Still in it's original sheepskin lined case with the original 1930's era cleaning kit wrapped up in cloth!

[@DogsandDoubles]

Sounds like a great gun. Congratulations. Watch out for sheepskin - it can absorb moisture, stick to the metalwork and ruin a gun. I wouldn't store a shotgun anywhere near the stuff -- too risky.

[@Wearyman]

@@DogsandDoubles Well, this is what it has been stored in for decades. It is a leather case, so I suspect the leather is drawing the moisture away. Of course, the leather case itself is breaking down with age, but since it seems to be the original one, my father is actually looking at having an Amish Leathersmith (He lives in PA, lots of Amish around) repair the worn and damaged parts of the case. (Mostly the leather straps and hinges) And it wasn't the only gun in the collection, but certainly the most valuable. There was also a 1950's era Marlin 39A, a 1930's era Winchester model 94, and a similar era Winchester model 70 (in .257 Roberts, no less.) Not a huge collection, but certainly some very interesting firearms. I have to say that gently cleaning and preserving all of them was really a joy.

[@outragousbob4367]

Interesting. I have a reproduction 12 in Q1 and Q2. Beautiful gun and one of the rarest reproduction Parker’s! Honestly though, AH Foxes of any grade are better bird guns. I would take my Sterlingworths over any Parker for use in the uplands. Happy opening 22!

[@montyhoutchens5412]

I have an original 1898 12 side bye side and we don't shoot it but the price is unbelievable and it's in my dad's gun safe and staying their beautiful and the best condition of any I've ever seen more engraving on it than any other as well mint condition and has original leather case with it.

[@Gokiburi777]

Perfect analysis

[@richardblazek4780]

Just guessing but parkers did not have white line spacers from the factory.

[@Lahainalongboarder]

I just purchased an old shotgun not knowing anything about it other than I liked the style of an older side by side. Stamped on the top of the barrel between the 2 barrels is stamped “PARKER BROS MAKERS. MERIDEN CONN. DAMASCUS STEEL.” It has a serial number of 62982. From what research I’ve done over the last few hrs it’s probably from 1890, i believe it to be a Parker model G -grade 2 from the markings I’ve identified, however it does have ejectors so I could be a GHE. Its stamped only with a simple G though. It has some light engraving on the sides and underside of ducks and pheasants. The barrel is 30” and is Damascus steel. It has a straight stock (not a pistol grip) with light checkering, the front grip also has some light checkering and light engraving. The stock also has a red rubber butt pad that reads “HAWKINS”. I’m absolutely falling in love with this gun and I want to learn more about it. I’ve been on the Parker bros forums and found that removing light rust is best done with a frontier pad which won’t harm the blueing. Apparently it’s only good to shoot special loads as more powerful loads can damage it. If anyone knows anything about this kind of gun I’d be interested to hear it.

[@DogsandDoubles]

Congrats on your Parker. It sounds like you're on your way to a SxS addiction. Good luck.

[@cannoncollector]

Nice stuff!

[@talalkassem575]

Great shot guns

[@asianom1]

I’m curious when he said the problems that come with Parker shotguns? What kind of problems could one encounter?

[@wholeNwon]

I don't know what he meant either. They usually had 2 5/8" chambers so that would add up to 1000 psi in breech pressure if used with 2 3/4" shells. Chokes greater than modified would not be suitable for even standard steel but there's always bismuth. Those with Damascus or twist barrels may present special issues. The early fluid steel barrels are not nearly as strong as modern ordinance steel barrels. Some of the barrels might have been honed so need to be measured very carefully. They were and are prized for their durability. IMHO, an old British double will be much more likely to need repair than a Parker.

[@quinellamcfarland4584]

I have a 1876 parkersbrothere 12 gage dibble shot gun and trying to see how much the value is

[@benmaxwell3808]

The hammer less is from 1888. They were all hammer guns up until 1887. I have an original 1887.

[@alhaupt4586]

I have 2 old parkers are there any parts out there.any info would be great

[@Spchlorgendy]

I don’t have a DHE, but mine was built in 1900

[@dondidykes6664]

Where can I get parts for mine or a diagram to see how to fix mine?

[@DogsandDoubles]

Contact Turnbull Restorations. They can help. www.turnbullrestoration.com/

[@DMX-PAT]

When you opened that it reminded me of my Gold Label that I had, no clue why I sold it but still. Were those ejectors the first one?

[@DogsandDoubles]

Not sure I understand what you're asking. I think Parker added ejectors to its hammerless guns a few years after introducing them. Not sure, though. Sorry for the tardy response.

[@DogsandDoubles]

Not sure I understand what you mean. Sorry for the late response!

[@beb38138]

I inherited a parker bros shotgun about 8 years ago. The lawyer that handled the estate offered us almost 8k for it on the spot. We declined. Just wondering where I can get a good evaluation of this gun for current times. Thanks

[@DogsandDoubles]

Send me pics and more info. I'll help you out: [e-mail]

[@dondidykes6664]

I have a Parker's brother 20 ga. Shot gun

[@DogsandDoubles]

Excellent. They're nice guns.

[@theprofessorfate6184]

For what a parker costs these days, buy something made in the UK .