Parker Brothers VH Vulcan Grade 30″ Full 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1300
LSB#: 210517WT02
Make: Parker Brothers
Model: VH Grade, Hammerless, With Vulcan Steel Barrels
Serial Number: 157314
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 5/8” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side Double Barrel Shotgun with Extractor
Markings: The barrel rib is marked “PARKER BROTHERS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CONN. VULCAN STEEL”, with two arrows pointing toward the lettering. The underside of the barrel set flat is marked “V” in circle, “4”, and “3” under the right barrel, “J.G.” in oval and “&” under the left. The right flat also has an SSN hand-scribed. The underside of the lug is marked “V”, “B” and “2” and the left with “157314”. The top of the forend iron is marked “157314”. The sides of the frame are marked “PARKER BROS”. The water table is marked “PAT’D. JAN.18. AUG.16.1867. / PAT’D OCT.25.1910. / PAT’D. AUG.15.1905″ on the right lug. The left lug is marked with “VH / 157314 / V”. The lower tang is marked “157314”. The right lug is also hand-scribed with the same SSN. The grip cap is marked “PARKER BROS. / MERIDEN. CONN.”. The forend latch assembly is marked “PATD. MAR. 26. 1878”.
Barrel Length: 30”, with solid, concave rib with wavy lines. The lines stop at a scribed line just behind the muzzle.
Choke: Both barrels are fixed choked Full.
Sights / Optics: There is a red bead in a base at the front of the rib and a smaller white mid-bead. The top of the rib is concave and serrated for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 13.3 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, inlaid initial plate in the belly and ventilated brown rubber Pachmayr recoil pad. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. There is some thinning finish in the handling areas. The checkering ranges from well defined to nearly worn smooth with clearly visible lines. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ and 13 3/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the pad, 13 1/4″ and 12 3/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear around the edges but is still fairly supple. The drop at comb is approximately 1 3/4″, drop at heel 2 3/4″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright. There is some scattered light erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have some scattered light finish wear. The receiver’s case color has mostly muted with strongest color on the water table, under the lever and around the triggers. There is case color on the top of the forend iron. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some residue from the stock’s new finish around the wood. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Parker Brothers VH Grade Hammerless comes to us from 1911. 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 honest wear consistent with its age and use in the field. It will make a nice addition to any collection, especially if you’re interested in Parkers or American doubles in general. Please see our photos and good luck!