Parker Bros GHE Grade 2 Size-0 Frame Hammerless 20 GA SXS Shotgun, 1909 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2926
LSB#: 230926WM006
Make: Parker Brothers
Model: GHE Grade 2 Hammerless
Serial Number: 151890
Year of Manufacture: 1909
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 1/2″ Shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Double Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Left: Modified, Right: Modified, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a large white bead at the front of the rib and a smaller white mid-bead. .
Weight: 6 lb., 4.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, initial plate inlaid to the belly, straight comb and ventilated rubber Jostam recoil pad. The forend has an inlaid steel tip. The buttstock has a wood spacer between the stock and the pad with cheeks installed on each side of the wrist at the front. The stocks have some scattered nicks and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined. The wood shows discoloration from age and handling. The drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The cast is about neutral. LOP measures 13 1/2″ and 12 1/2″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the recoil pad, 12 5/8″ and 11 5/8″ to the back of the spacer, 11 1/4″ and 10 1/4″ to the back of the stock’s original wood. The has moderate-heavy wear, still feeling a little supple but showing some crushing. Overall, the stocks are in Good-plus condition as customized.
Type of Finish: Damascus & Case Color. Some parts have a gold-wash finish.
Finish Originality: Most finish appears Original. The gold-wash is not original.
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bores and some stubborn fouling toward the muzzles. The right barrel has a few dents visible in the bore, most notable about 4″ from the muzzle. There is a scratch on the interior of the left bore on the top a few inches back from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 5 or 6 out of 10.
Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The barrels have strong damascus patterning with some thinning at the edges and a few nicks along the edges of the rib. The right barrel has a few dents, most notable about 4″ from the muzzle. The exposed portions of the receiver have mostly muted or gone to a moderate patina, there is some color on the water table. The muted areas show some discoloration from oxidation. The receiver has some scattered minor marks. Much of the gold wash has worn off, strongest on the triggers. The action has operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. The shotgun features dual triggers and individual ejectors. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This Parker Brothers GH Grade Hammerless comes to us from 1909. The GH Grade filled a gap between the lower grade or “knockabout” guns and the higher grade or “fine” guns, offering a finer quality fit and finish, engraving and style in a gun which could still be taken to the field without feeling like you’re ruining a presentation piece. This example is a 20 gauge made on the desirable size 0 frame, resulting in a fantastically light gun, just over six pounds. Its 30″ barrels are choked Modified, making for a fairly versatile, fast-handling gun that won’t wear you out even if you’re in the field all day. The gun has had some customization to the buttstock as well as having some small parts given a gold-washed finish. The right barrel has a few dents that should be addressed, and damascus barrel guns should always be inspected by a qualified gunsmith to ensure barrel wall thickness. This may still prove to be a good bird gun for the lucky winner. It will also make a good candidate for restoration and addition to a Parker collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
