Winchester Parker Repro DHE Grade 28 GA SXS Side by Side Shotgun, 1984-1989
SOLD FOR: $4928
LSB#: 210317GB10
Make: Olin-Kodensha, in Japan, for Winchester, Contracted by Reagent Chemical & Research
Model: Parker DHE Grade
Serial Number: 28-01504
Year of Manufacture: 1984-1989
Gauge: 28 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Box Lock, Top Break, Dual Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The left barrel is marked “Parker Reproduction by WINCHESTER – 28 GAUGE, 2 ¾” / EAST ALTON, IL. U.S.A.”, the right barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN”. The left barrel flat is marked “Q 2 / 28-01504”, with an ovalled “WP” proof, the right is marked “Q 1” and both are marked “OVERLOAD / PARKER REPRODUCTION / PROVED”. The bottom of the barrel lug is marked “0 0”. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “D GRADE 28 GA. / FOR 2 ¾” SHELLS”. The top of the forend bracket is marked with the serial number. The water table is marked “DHE / 28-01504”, 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 upper tang is marked “SAFE”, the lower tang has the serial number. The skeleton butt plate is scroll 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 Improved Cylinder, the right 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: 5 lb. 8.7 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 capped pistol grip and a metal oval insert on the belly which has not been engraved. The forend has a couple little marks and there is a compression on the bottom at the rear. There are a few little marks on the buttstock with a thin hairline scratch on the left side down by the belly. There are a couple little compressions on the belly at the toe. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 3/8”, drop at heel is 2 1/8”. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the skeletonized metal butt plate. The plate has no notable wear or damage. The back of the stock is finely checkered, showing no notable wear or damage. The stocks rate in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Rust-Blued & Case Colored, with Grade D Engraving.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The left barrel has a few little marks into the finish at the muzzle. There are a few little marks on the right chamber. The top tang has light wear from standard use. There is faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features crisp dual triggers, independent ejectors, an exceptionally tight action lockup and presents spectacular balance. The shotgun’s action does not automatically return to “SAFE” when the action is opened but functions properly when manually set. 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 tan leather bound hard trunk case with canvas and leather cover. The exterior of the case has been well protected by the cover, showing a couple little scrapes on the exterior. The inside is lined with green felt, with component separators and two holes to hold 28 Gauge snap caps. The interior has some light wear from its contents. Overall the case is in about Fine Plus condition. Also included are keys and two snap caps.
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. These models were fabricated in Japan to original Parker specifications, and the reproduction was so authentic that parts are interchangeable with the late Parkers made by Remington in Ilion, NY, with the exception of one screw. The original D Grade Parker used as the pattern gun unknowingly had a single replacement screw, which was meticulously reproduced by Kodensha on all of the Parker Reproductions. Tom Skeuse, the founder of Reagent and the driving force behind the Parker Reproductions project, would only find out later that this one screw was not original. On Sept. 17, 1999, a flood destroyed all remaining inventory, including parts and most of the factory records. This 28 gauge DHE Reproduction is in Excellent condition and appears to have spent more time inside the included leather bound trunk case than outside. The to-specification D grade engraving looks exceptional with the vibrant case coloring retaining marvelous tone variation. The shotgun has dual triggers and has independent ejectors. The fit and finish of this shotgun is truly something to behold. Whether you’re a Winchester or Parker collector or just want one of the finest 28 gauge doubles made, this is a great addition to any safe in America. Please see our pictures and good luck!