doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Super 30" DHE 20 ga. Parker, but

...dang! $18,500?! Wow...
https://stevebarnettfineguns.com/parker-1-shotguns-for-sale/parker-dhe-20-gauge?rq=19098

I'll give Steve this, though, that sucker is RIGHT, Jack...
JR

Could you shoot it and still maintain its collector value?

I could. I know how to care for a gun in the field and not put excessive wear on it, but it would be very judiciously done on rare occasions.

But you ask a good question. This piece is a conundrum because of its very high condition, especially the case colors, which mean everything to Parker enthusiasts/collectors.
JR

My question was somewhat rhetorical. I probably could not use the gun and maintain its collector condition; consequently, I would not own a gun like that. These high condition guns are becoming objects to behold rather than to use them for their intended purpose. As has been pointed out here, collector values are strong, but the market is small and the risk of depreciation is high if it gets bumped or dinged. To each his own.

One in silimar condition sold for not much less recently on GI... so it is not THAT far off.

I just do not get the posts complaining about how dealers price their stuff.

I enlarged the pictures of the floor plate engraving, and my eyes hurt when I looked at it.
What passes for art on early American firearms is surprising. What dealers ask for that art, is more so.
I think a Vulcan or a P in the same condition would be more impressive. Not impressive enough to buy and use, however.
Have you considered starting a go fund me page to acquire the gun, John? You might feel even better about owning it if someone else�s skin was in the game.
Hey, good luck.

Best,
Ted

Who�s complaining about how dealers price their stuff?

Ted,

I agree...and disagree.

AGREE, in that there are definitely SOME makes which have serious variance, Parker being perhaps the widest. There are some guns which are downright cartoon quality. BUT, the early Glahn work, coupled with both Goughs, produced some absolutely beautiful guns. And if Parker can be dinged for SOME of the engraving ("flying turnips" and stick figure dogs), they must be lauded for their exemplary fit, finish and variety of offerings. Plus, Parker had the very best checkering of any American make, bar none, IMO.

Parker isn't my MOST favorite American make, but they absolutely live up to the reputation they've garnered over the years. Not the most elegantly engineered internals, but inarguably reliable nonetheless.

Ithaca had a better stable of engravers over the years, but the guns seem to make me yawn.

LC Smith sure had some early beauties.

Lefever tops them all.

- NDG

I kinda land on Mr. Vicknair�s side of the fence when it comes to American doubles.
However, if you are out there, enjoying one, more power to you.

Best,
Ted

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