Parker Bros CHE Grade 4 28″ Damascus 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $6763
LSB#: 230924RF027
Make: Parker Brothers
Model: CHE Grade 4 Hammerless
Serial Number: 182041
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Gauge: 12, chambered for 2 5/8” shells, Black Powder Only
Action Type: Side by Side, Double Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors
Barrel Length: 28”, with solid, concave 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.
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Modified, both fixed
Sights/Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib.
Weight: 7 lb., 1.3 oz.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, initial plate in the belly (not marked) and steel skeleton buttplate with exposed checkered walnut butt. The checkering has decoratively carved borders and there are teardrops in the sides of the wrist. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with the most notable marks in the belly. There is some thinning finish in the comb. There is a pair of tiny cracks at the rear of the top tang. Drop at comb is 1 5/8”, drop at heel is 2 7/8?. The LOP measures 14? and 13? from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the plate. The plate is worn to white with scattered minor surface oxidation. The stocks rate in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Damascus and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is some stubborn fouling toward the muzzle-end. There are a couple of very shallow dents visible in the right bore about 3-4″ from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 7 or 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The barrels have generally strong damascus patterning. There are a few scattered minor marks with some more notable scratches on the top of the left barrel near the muzzle and at the chamber. Much of the exposed case color has muted. There is some good color behind the fences, on the water table, under the lever and around the top of the triggers and guard. The guard has mostly worn to white. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear with good detail in the engravings. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The tang mounted safety returns to ‘safe’ when the action is opened. There is 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: This shotgun comes in a green canvas and leather luggage case with green fabric zip-up cover. Included are leather straps for the case, two snap-caps and an oiler. The case has a combination lock, still in its 0-0-0 default setting.
Our Assessment: This Parker Brothers DH Grade Hammerless comes to us from 1918, right at the close of the Great War. The CH or Grade 4 was one of the higher grades offered with carved stocks and beautiful engraving. This example was produced with 28″ damascus barrels choked Full and Modified, showing honest wear consistent with use in the field. The condition is quite nice considering that it’s more than 100 years old and obviously has seen a hunting trip or two. This shotgun would make a great addition to any collection, especially an avid bird hunter or Parker collector. It may still prove to be ready to head out in the field and keep dropping birds. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
