The purpose of this series of articles is to educate the buyer of the subtle differences between two similar firearms and how they impact value. We are showing two Parker shotguns in the lowest two grades. One is a V grade, (Vulcan steel barrels) and one is a P grade, (Parker steel barrels). These two guns look very similar but there is a huge difference in value. The .410 in these grades are rare to start with! The V and the P grades were offered from the late 20's until the end of production after World War II. The P grade in a .410 was only offered from 1926 until 1928. Only about six P grades were made! This makes it one of the rarest Parkers ever made.
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Upon first inspection the new collector may be totally confused and want to know why one guns value is $25,000 and the other gun that looks almost the same is valued at $50,000! The first thing we do is look on the barrel flat and the water table to see how they are marked. The V grade is marked with a V and VH on the water table. The barrel flat is marked with the barrel weight, usually about 2 pounds 11 ounces, marked 211. The flat is also marked with a V in a circle which designates a V grade or a Vulcan. The barrel extension that fits down into the receiver is marked with the gauge, (.410) and the frame weight being triple 0 (000), the lightest weight. The frame has also been scalloped to save weight.
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On the second gun, we look at the same areas and find it is marked on the barrel flat with 29 for barrel weight and a P in a circle for the grade. The barrel extension is marked .410 and the frame weight triple 0 (000). At this point one realizes that these two guns are not the same grade even though they look alike. A serious buyer realizes the importance of seeking a professional when purchasing a gun of this rarity. It pays to hire or deal with a reputable auction gallery or firearms broker.
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In the next article I will show what else makes one gun worth more than another when it looks the same to the untrained eye.
Good luck buying,
Charley
