Cased Winchester Parker Bros Repro DHE Grade 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1989

SOLD FOR: $5,525.00

WOA# WY240605WP013

Make: Olin-Kodensha, in Japan, for Winchester, Contracted by Reagent Chemical & Research

Model: Parker DHE Grade

Serial Number: 12-01367

Year of Manufacture: 1989

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” & 3″ Shells

Action Type: Side by Side, Box Lock, Top Break, Single-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors

Markings: The rib of each barrel set is marked “Parker Reproductions by WINCHESTER East Alton Il. U.S.A. Made in Japan”, the left barrels are marked “12 GAUGE. 2 ¾” & 3”. The left barrel flat of each set is marked “12-01367” with an ovalled “WP” proof and each barrel flat is marked “OVERLOAD / PARKER REPRODUCTION / PROVED”. The 28? barrel flats are marked “MOD” and “IMP. CYL”, respectively, the 26? barrel set has “Q2” and “Q1”. The bottom of the barrel lugs are marked “11/2”. The 28? set has “1” marked on the forend lug, the 26? set has “2”. The left side of each barrel lug is marked “D GRADE 12 GA. / FOR 3” SHELLS”. The top of the forend bracket is marked with the serial number. The water table is marked “DHE / 12-01367”, 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 underside, by the trigger selector, is marked “R” and “L”. 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: This shotgun comes with two barrel sets, one 26” and one 28?, both with solid, concave, tapered ribs. The ribs have wavy serrations for glare reduction, each stopping at a scribed line just in front of the beads.

Choke: 

26?: The left barrel is Quail 2, the right Quail 1, both fixed.

28?: The left barrel is Modified, the right Improved Cylinder, both fixed.

Sights / Optics: Each barrel set has a brass bead at the front of its rib.

Weight: 

26? barrel installed: 7 lb. 4 oz.

28? barrel installed: 7 lb. 8 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered deluxe walnut with beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, initial plate inlaid to the belly and skeletonized steel buttplate on the checkered butt. The stocks have some light nicks and handling marks, but no notable damage. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 3/8”, drop at heel is 2 1/2″, consistent with both barrel sets. The LOP measures 14” 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 a few minor nicks. The stocks rate in Fine-plus 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 in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun set retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks. The receiver’s case color has muted toward the bottom-front. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun set rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a crisp single selective trigger, independent ejectors, an exceptionally tight action lockup with both barrel sets and presents spectacular balance. The shotgun’s action returns to “SAFE” automatically when the action is opened. 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 inside is lined with green felt, with component separators and two holes to hold 12 Gauge snap caps. Keys for the case are included in a leather fob. The gun comes with an assortment of factory paperwork including the original sales receipt confirming the gun’s original configuration and additional barrel set.

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, except for one. Tom Skeuse, founder of Reagent and the driving force behind the Parker Reproductions, would discover later that one of the screws on his own Parker D Grade, the one used as the pattern for production, was a replacement. Kodensha had meticulously reproduced this single replacement screw on each of the Parker guns they made. On Sept. 17, 1999, a flood destroyed all remaining inventory, including parts and most of the factory records.

This 12 gauge DHE Reproduction is in Fine 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. Even better, this gun has two factory barrel sets, one 28? choked Modified and Improved Cylinder, and another 26? choked Quail 1 and Quail 2, a choking you will only find on Parker Reproduction guns. The shotgun has a single selective trigger, return-to-safe feature upon opening the action 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 12 gauge doubles made, this is a great addition to any safe in America. Please see our pictures and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud

Cased Winchester Parker Bros Repro DHE Grade 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1989
Cased Winchester Parker Bros Repro DHE Grade 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1989