Parker Bros DHE Grade 3 Hammerless 32″ 16 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1920 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5325
LSB#: 221213JC001
Make: Parker Brothers
Model: DHE Grade 3 Hammerless
Serial Number: 192489
Year of Manufacture: 1920
Gauge: 16, chambered for 2 5/8” shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Double Trigger Shotgun with Extractors
Markings: The barrel rib is marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT. TITANIC STEEL.”, with two arrows pointing toward the lettering. The underside of the barrel set flat is marked “T” in circle, ”HT / A”, “3 8” with the “8” as super-script, “4”, “8”, AND “J.G.” in an oval. The top of the forend iron has the serial number “192489? and “PATD. MAY 7. 1901”. The sides of the frame are marked “PARKER BROS” on banners. The water table is marked “PARKER BROS. / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / PAT’D JAN. 18, AUG. 16. 1887. / PAT’D. OCT. 25. 1910. / PATD. AUG. 15. 1905” on the right lug. The left lug is marked “DH” in hexagon over “192489 / 3”. The lower tang is marked “No 192489”. The receiver has decorative engraving with the Parker Bros. banners amid scroll engraving with a pointer scene on each side, pheasant scene on the trigger plate and there is also decorative engraving on the exposed portion of the forend iron and latch and border engraving on the rear of the barrels.
Barrel Length: 32”, with solid, concave rib with wavy lines. The wavy line engraving is strong up to the bead, indicating the barrels are whole and have not been cut.
Choke: Left and Right: Full, both fixed
Sights/Optics: There are white beads at the front and midpoint.
Weight: 6 lb., 13.2 oz.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are a refinished two-piece checkered walnut set with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, ventilated brown rubber recoil pad, and inlaid silver initial-plate in the belly (not marked). The forend has a few scattered light scratches in addition to a couple spots where the checkering is lightly marred. The pad is on the drier side but still has a bit of softness. There is some discoloration and thinning finish around the edges and in the grip areas. There are lightnicks and dings and minor compressions scattered about the wood. The checkering is well-defined. Drop at comb is 1 78”, drop at heel is 3 3/8?, the cast is very slightly on. The LOP measures 14 3/8? from the front of the front trigger and 13 1/2? from the front of the rear trigger to the back of the buttplate. These measurements are less 1″ to the back of the wood. The stocks rate in Good-Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bores and stubborn fouling in front of the chambers. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate an overall 8 out of 10!
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 77% of its current metal finish. The barrel assembly has a few instances where the finish is missing in spots in addition to the scattered light nicks and scuffs. There are a few more notable scrapes through the finish. The guard has light wear and some minor oxidation. There are a few scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches on the receiver. There are a few meager indications of the case color on the water table and the forend iron. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked, all with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Good-to-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The tang mounted safety returns to ‘safe’ when the action is opened. The shotgun has no play in the frame to barrel fit. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Parker Brothers DH Grade Hammerless comes to us from 1920, just after the close of the Great War. The DH Grade was the first grade offered by Parker with their new black Titanic steel barrels and many buyers found the DH to be the ideal choice for a higher grade Parker, not thinking the difference in price between the DH, CH, and BH to be commensurate with the increase in price. This example has honest wear, fairly light for a 100+ year old gun. This shotgun would make a great addition to any collection, especially an avid bird hunter or Parker collector. Now, ready, aim, bid!
—Rick
