• Yeah Don, those too; perhaps there are a few other variants along with the many (perhaps a couple hundred) guns that have the 'P' prefix in the serial number that many have mistakenly thought stands for 'Prototype', but I, and others instead believe it stands for 'Personal' as the Skeuse's gifted many of these 'P' guns to family and friends.
  • Parker Reproduction shotguns made by Winchester are usually marker with a serial number that begins with the gauge of the gun, which is followed by a dash and then five digits. For example, a 12 gauge serial number might look like 12 - 00123. But, there are some guns seen where the gauge is replaces with a P; for example P - 00123.

The Parker Reproduction was a very nice shotgun, and it was commercially successful. In fact, the line was being expanded when the blow fell: the Japanese manufacturer had landed a big auto parts contract and was terminating their gun making operation. They were retooling and would build no more Parker Reproduction shotguns. Overnight the dream. I have several Parker Reproductions, two of which are 12-ga. Mine are both Sporting Clays Classic models with consecutive serial numbers. One is NIB unfired, the other is my shooter. Both are SG, SPL, DT and have Grade IV wood. Historical Data for Parker Compound Bows - Updated 01/01/16 IBO rev. 9/23/2016 raidserver/compound info/bow stats. 9/23/2016 5:05:54 PM.

SOLD FOR: $4,000

LSB#: 200605GB42

Make: Olin-Kodensha, in Japan, for Winchester, Contracted by Reagent Chemical & Research

Model: Parker DHE Grade

Serial Number: 12-00603

Year of Manufacture: 1986-1989

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells

Action Type: Side by Side, Box Lock, Top Break, Single-Selective Trigger (mechanical) Shotgun with Ejectors

Markings: The top of the rib is marked “Parker Reproductions by WINCHESTER East Alton, Il. U.S.A. Made in Japan”, the left barrel is marked “12 GAUGE 2 3/4″” The left barrel flat is marked “MOD”, “12-00603”, with an ovalled “WP” proof, the right is marked “IMP. CYL” and each is marked “OVERLOAD / PARKER REPRODUCTION / PROVED”. The bottom of the barrel lug is marked “1 1/2”. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “D GRADE 12 GA. / FOR 2 ¾” SHELLS”. The top of the forend bracket is marked with the serial number. The water table is marked “DHE / 12-00603”, the sides of the frame have a pointer and setter, with to-spec Parker D-grade scroll engraving; the underside of the frame has D-engraving and “PARKER” with birds in flight; the underside, by the trigger selector, is marked “R” and “L”. The upper tang is marked “SAFE”, the lower tang has the serial number. The skeleton butt plate is border engraved, the belly of the butt stock has a metal oval insert that has not been engraved.

Barrel Length: 26”, with solid, concave, tapered rib.

Choke: The left barrel is Modified, the right Improved Cylinder, both fixed.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead at the muzzle; the top of the rib is milled in a wave-like pattern for glare reduction, stopping at a scribed line just short of the muzzle.

Weight: 6 lb. 13.4 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece fancy walnut set. The splinter forend has case-colored D-grade engraved metal fixtures and wrap-around checkering, to the original Parker specifications. The butt stock has a straight grip and a metal oval insert on the belly which has not been engraved. The stocks show only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 1/4″, drop at heel is 2 1/8”. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the skeletonized metal butt plate; the plate has Grade D engraving with little to no wear; the back of the stock is finely checkered, showing no notable wear or damage. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Rust-Blued & Case Colored, with Grade D Engraving.

Parker Reproduction Serial Numbers Lookup

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is only minor operational wear and light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a crisp single selective trigger, independent ejectors, an exceptionally tight action lockup and presents spectacular balance. The shotgun’s action returns to “SAFE” when the action is opened. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Brooks & Thomas USA canvas bound hard trunk case with leather bolsters, combination locking latches, English straps and green suede interior. The case shows minor wear, mostly in the bolsters, in about Fine-plus condition.

Parker Reproduction Serial Numbers Identification

Our Assessment: In 1984, Winchester was contracted by Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc. to manufacture a new Parker shotgun. The new SxS was a DHE model, available in 20 and 28 ga. initially with 12 ga. offered in 1986. These models were fabricated in Japan to original Parker specifications, and the reproduction was so authentic that most parts are interchangeable with the late Parkers made by Remington in Ilion, NY. In 1993, a 16/20 ga. combo was introduced in some models. On Sept. 17, 1999, a flood destroyed all remaining inventory, including parts and most of the factory records. This shotgun shows only a few minor cosmetic marks on the wood stocks and the metal surfaces; it rates in Excellent condition and comes with a canvas bound trunk case. The to-specification D grade engraving looks exceptional with the case coloring retaining marvelous and vivid tone variation. The shotgun has a single selective trigger, return-to-safe feature upon opening the action and has independent ejectors. The fit and finish of this shotgun is truly something to behold. Please see our pictures and good luck!


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'Blue book of Gun Values' - Typical Listing

PARKER BROTHERS

Originally manufactured in Meriden Connecticut 1865-1934. Remington took over production in 1934, and n 1938 the plant was moved to Ilion, NY. Over 4,500 'Transition Guns' (exhibiting Meriden and Ilion characteristics) were produced in Meriden between 1934-1937 and about 4,500 Parkers were manufactured at the Ilion location before production stopped. Total production reached approx. 252,387.
95% of the original Parkers bought and sold each year are in 30% or less condition (referring to original case colors). Percentages on following pages refer to the amount of original case colors remaining on frame.

Shotgun: Damascus Barrels

Parker damascus barreled shotguns (hammer or hammerless) are very collectible if original condition is over 40%. Specimens in 90% or better condition with strong case colors can approximate values of the steel barrel models if the bores are in excellent condition also (no pitting). Values for under 40% specimens fall off rapidly and are no longer comparable to steel barrel guns. As an example, a steel 'D' Grade (without ejectors) might range from $1,500 to $7,000 (10%-100%) with a rather even downward progression of values in between the high and low values. A 100% damascus 'D' Grade could have a $3,500+ price tag hanging from the trigger guard while 5%-15% condition specimen is typically seen priced in the $375-$550 range. Remember, the guns are not rare but their condition is.

Shotgun: Fluid Steel Barrels

Values listed below in the 95%-100% condition columns can vary somewhat as there is very little supply and strong demand for these high condition 'cream puffs'.

Note: Values are for non-ejector guns through the CH grade, ejectors assumed on BHE and better models. Add 15%- 30% for ventilated. ribs. Skeet model has beavertail forearm and single selective trigger valued at approx. 50%-75% higher than values shown. Higher grade guns typically had ejectors, and will not make as much difference percentage-wise in the overall value as those lower grades with ejectors. Ejectors typically will add 50% more value to a Parker in common grades. Also, lower condition high grade models sometimes have their values established by the potential gain in refurbishing these specimens.

Parker Reproduction Serial Numbers

Due to the extremely high value of Parker Guns, extreme care should be taken in their purchase. There are many upgraded and refinished guns represented as original; expert advice should always be sought. Many collectors would rather own a specimen with 30% original case colors than a refinished gun that is 100% (regardless who did the work). Many advanced collectors will discount a refinished Parker's value 40%-60% of the price for an original gun. Misrepresentation of refinished or upgraded Parkers is rampant today - especially case colors. Believe it or not, also beware of fake boxes and hanging tags - if the box and Parker shotgun are an original 'pair', the value is enhanced tremendously. If the box/hanging tag is fake, you could pay as much as $1,500 to learn this lesson! In other words, do your homework, be careful, shop carefully, and above all, get a receipt for exactly what you are purchasing.

Frame size on Parker shotguns is determined by the number on the bottom of the barrel lug on breech. Frame sizes (from largest to smallest) include 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1-1/2, 1, 1/2, 0, 00, and 000. 8 ga. guns typically are framed 5, 6, or 7. 10 ga. guns typically are 3 or 4. 12 ga. guns typically range from 2 through 1 (more desirable). '1/2' frame 12 ga. guns are very rare and desirable. 20 and 16 ga.'s range from 2 through 0 (more desirable). 28 ga. guns are either 0 or 00 (more desirable and twice as expensive). .410 bore shotguns are 0, 00, or 000 (most common and most desirable). 8 and 10 ga. steel barreled shotguns are very rare, and prices can equate .410 bore values if the original condition is there.

The grade on Parker shotguns is a number or initials located on the water table of the frame. An alphabetical designation would indicate the grade immediately. For numerals, a '2'would indicate a GM, while an '8' would specify an A-1 Special - interpolate for the others (numbers 3 through 7). Parker shotguns manufactured by Remington will have date codes stamped on left barrel flat that corresponds to the month and the year (see Remington serialization in the Serialization Section). Also, if a Parker gun was returned to Remington for repair, alteration, or refinishing, it will usually have the date code stamped with a suffix of 3 (i.e. OK3 represents some type of rework completed in either July of 1941 or 1963). There is some ambiguity with the year as the year codes repeat.

A note about Parker condition: Percentages of condition indicate the amount of original case colors remaining on the frame, but sometimes these colors are faded and the rest of the gun is excellent - hence, all the separate condition factors must be considered when determining overall condition.

A Parker IS NOT 60% if the barrel bluing and stock forearm varnish are 60% but case colors are only 10%. Typically, a 60% case color Parker shotgun will have 90%+ blue and varnish, yet this does not mean the gun is 90% overall. Similarly, a 20% case color Parker will probably have 90% barrel bluing remaining.

Reproduction

Strong, original case colors are the key in determining Parker condition and subsequent values.

Production totals for each of the models listed below are based on the estimates in Peter Johnson's book ' Parker - America's Finest Shotgun', published in 1961. During 1992, Remington opened up the original production ledgers to a group of writers who are in the process of publishing a new book on Parker Brothers. a group of writers who are in the process of publishing a new book on Parker Brothers. This new book will contain updated information regarding actual production totals (including original configuration by ser. no., in many cases).

PREMIUMS FOR PARKER SHOTGUNS:

  • Add 20% for SST
  • Add 20% for beavertail forearm.
  • Add 20%-50% for VR (rare on smaller gauges).
  • Add 20% for straight English stock.
  • Add 20% for skeleton steel butt plate.
  • Add 20% for short barrels (26 in. with open chokes).
TROJAN - Parker's lowest-priced gun, single or double triggers, but no auto ejectors available, very rarely found in mint condition because they were used a lot, a genuine utility gun, introduced 1912-13 with approx. 48,000 total mfg.
100%98%95%90%80%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%
12 ga.
$2,200$1,800$1,500$1,175$950$850$750$650$600$575$525$500
16 ga.
$3,000$2,500$2,000$1,750$1,500$1,200$1,050$950$750$700$650$600
20 ga.
$3,500$3,000$2,500$1,800$1,700$1,600$1,500$1,475$1,300$1,100$1,000$800

The Blue Book of Gun Values 33rd ed.

Blue Book - Typical Listing

Blue Book - Firearm Abbreviations

Blue Book - Photo Percentage Grading System

Blue Book - Glossary

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Parker Reproduction Serial Numbers Manufacture