Parker Bros. VHE Vulcan Grade 32″ Full 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1924 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2700
LSB#: 210629JY07
Make: Parker Bros.
Model: Vulcan, Grade V.H.
Serial Number: 206677
Year of Manufacture: 1924
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Dual Non-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The barrel rib is marked “PARKER BROS, MAKERS, MERIDEN, CT. U.S.A. VULCAN. STEEL”, with two arrows pointing towards the lettering. The underside of the barrel set flat is marked “V” in circle, “HT / A”, “4 9”, with the “9” as a super-script, the left is marked “J.G.” in oval. The underside of the barrel lug is marked “12” and “2”, the left is marked with the serial number. The top of the forend bracket has the serial number and “PATD. MAY 7. 1901”. The sides of the frame are marked “PARKER BROS” and with border engraving. The bottom frame plate, trigger guard, bottom tang, and forend bracket at the frame have border engraving. The frame and bottom plate have decorative engraving around the screws. The water table is marked with “VH”, the serial number, “V”, and “PAT’D. AUG. 15. 1905 / PAT’D JAN 18. AUG. 16. 1887. / PAT’D. OCT. 25, 1910″. The lower tang is serialized to the receiver. The grip cap is marked “PARKER BROS / MERIDEN CONN.”.
Barrel Length: 32”, with solid, concave rib.
Choke: Left: Fixed Full, Right: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver-colored bead front sight, screwed into the concave solid rib. The top of the rib is milled in a wave-like pattern for glare reduction which stops at a scribed line just behind the muzzle.
Weight: 8 lb., 10.0 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, metal initial plate in the belly and ventilated orange rubber Jostam Anti-Flinch recoil pad. The stocks have a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a ding on the top-left edge of the forend. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. Drop at comb is approximately 1 5/8”, drop at heel is approximately 2 1/2”. The LOP measures approximately 13 3/4” and 12 7/8? from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the recoil pad, 13″ and 12 1/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has scattered wear, crushing, and has hardened with age. The stocks rate in Very Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion, but there is some stubborn fouling at the muzzles.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The barrels have strong finish throughout with only a few scattered minor nicks and scratches. The balance is mostly in light wear on the receiver and infrequent minor oxidation on the receiver, most along the bottom-left. The receiver has a few scattered light scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The shotgun features dual non-selective triggers; the tang mounted safety returns to ‘safe’ when the action is opened. The barrel to frame fit is solid. 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 VH Grade Hammerless comes to us from 1924. The VH or Vulcan Grade was a “knockabout” gun produced by Parker which still had the same quality in manufacture and attention to detail of their higher grade, and higher priced, offerings. This example has had a fairly gentle life, retaining 94% of its metal finish, great bores and strong mechanics. It will make a great addition to any collection, whether your interest is Parker shotguns, or you can simply appreciate a classic American shotgun. Please see our photos and good luck!