Parker Bros. Grade 0 Hammerless 20 Ga Side by Side SXS Shotgun 1929-30 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,325.00

LSB#:  LSB251005FS008

Make: Parker Brothers

Model: Grade 0 with Vulcan Steel Barrels

Serial Number: 234345

Year of Manufacture: 1929-30 (Parker Gun Identification & Serialization Price/Fjestad)

Gauge:  20 Gauge, 2 ¾” Chamber

Action Type: Side by Side, Underlifter, Double Trigger Shotgun with Extractor

Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “PARKER. BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT. U.S.A. VULCAN STEEL”. The left barrel flat is marked “PARKER BROS OVERLOAD APPROVED”.   The right barrel flat with a “V” in a circle, a “3”, and “PARKER BROS OVERLOAD APPROVED”.  The barrel lug is marked “20 / 0” on the bottom, “234435” on the left.  The water table is marked “234435 / PAT’D OCT.251910”.  Each side of the case colored receiver has “PARKER BROS” amid engraving.  The case colored trigger plate has engraving. The case colored receiver and reblued guard have heavy scroll and border engraving. The bottom tang is marked “234435”. 

Barrel Length:  28 Inches

Choke:  Fixed:  Right: Mod.  Left:  Improved Mod.

Sights / Optics:  There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib.  

Weight:  5 lb, 15 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, initial plate inlaid to the belly, fluted straight comb hard plastic Parker Brothers buttplate.  The forend has an inlaid Case colored steel tip.  There are just a few scattered minor marks, pressure dents, and some minor scuffing along each side of the stock. There is a repaired crack on the toe.  The checkering is no longer sharp but is well defined. The cast is neutral. LOP measures 14 inches and 13 1/8 inches from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad.  Overall, the stocks are in a Very Good condition.  The cast is neutral.  

Type of Finish:  Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality:  Original.

Bore Condition:  The bores are bright.  There is very minor erosion in the forcing cone areas.  There is no corrosion.  This gun writer rates it 8.5/10  

Overall Condition:  This shotgun retains about 90% of its original metal finish.  The receiver has hints of its original case coloring.  The exposed portions of the receiver have some color around the hammers, and on the underside, and on the water table .  There is some discoloration from oxidation on the sides of the receiver.  The action has minimal operational wear — the lockup is very tight. The screw heads are sharp.  The markings are clear.   The barrels have very minimal fading and patina in a few areas.  Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good to Excellent condition.  The cast is neutral.  The drop at comb is 1 ½”.  The drop at heel is 2 ½”.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly.  The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play.  The shotgun features dual triggers and an extractor.  It auto-safes upon breaking open.  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: Parker Brothers was founded in 1867 and went on to be the premier maker of shotguns in America for more than 50 years.  Their 0 grade was a “knockabout gun” produced by Parker with the same quality and attention to detail that the much higher priced Parkers had.  This Parker Brothers 0 (“Vulcan”) Grade was built in 1929 or 1930.  The Vulcan was a field-grade model, originally with basic (though tasteful) engraving.  

This 95 year old Parker feels tighter than many brand-new equivalents.  It has been remarkably well cared for and appears to wear its original finish.  It would make a very traditional fowling piece for the lucky winner. It will also make a nice addition to a Parker collection.  Please see our photos of this American classic.  -C.B.