Parker Bros. VH Grade 12 Gauge 2 3/4″ 32” Side By Side Shotgun C&R 1925 

SOLD FOR: $1,251.00

LSB#: LSB260427FS006

Make: Parker Brothers

Model: VH Grade Hammerless

Serial Number: 217238

Year of Manufacture: 1925 (ref: “Parkerguns the Old Reliable”, Ed Muderlak) / C&R

Gauge: 12 Gauge 2 3/4″ Shells

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

Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT. U.S.A. VULCAN.STEEL” with two arrows pointing towards the lettering. The water table is marked ” PAT’D OCT. 25, 1910.” and “VH / 217238 / V”. Each side of the case colored receiver has “PARKER BROS”. The bottom tang is marked “217238”. 

Barrel Length: 32″

Choke: Fixed. Right: Mod, Left: Improved Mod. According to bore micrometer.

Sights / Optics: There are white beads at mid-barrel and at the front of the rib. The top of the rib has a wavy serration pattern for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, initial plate inlaid to the belly, fluted straight comb and rubber buttpad. There is light handling wear. There are faint scratches and compression marks throughout. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. LOP measures 14 1/8” and 13.25” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue 

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bores are bright, with no erosion visible. The right barrel has an impact dent about 6″ from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 5 out of 10 otherwise would rate a 9 out of 10. Please see a certified gunsmith to service the barrel.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches, light surface rust, and thinning throughout. The case color has a few spots of color showing through the white. There are scratches on the barrels. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fair – Good condition otherwise would rate higher if not for the bore condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. The shotgun features dual triggers. 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: The Parker Bros. VH Grade is a classic American hammerless side-by-side shotgun representing the “Old Reliable” era of Parker production, well known for its fit, finish, and sporting field performance. This example was manufactured in 1925 and is chambered in 12 gauge for 2 3/4” shells. It is configured with 32” Vulcan Steel barrels, fixed Modified (right) and Improved Modified (left) chokes, double triggers, extractor, mid and front bead sights, and a case colored receiver with blued barrels. The VH Grade sits in Parker’s entry-level but still highly regarded quality tier, making it a desirable early 20th-century American sporting double.

This VH Grade is in about Fair-Good condition overall, retaining about 90% of its metal finish with handling and storage wear, scratches, light surface rust, and thinning throughout. The two-piece checkered walnut stocks rate in Fine condition, showing light handling wear, compression marks, and faint scratches, but no chips or cracks, and the checkering remains well defined. The bores are bright with no visible erosion; however, the right barrel has an impact dent approximately 6” from the muzzle, reducing the functional bore rating to 5 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion, otherwise closer to 9. The action functions correctly and locks up tightly with no play, the screw heads range from sharp to tool-marked with serviceable slots, and the markings are clear. Due to the noted barrel dent, this shotgun should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith before firing. This Parker should appeal to collectors of classic American doubles, Parker enthusiasts, and buyers seeking a VH Grade field gun with strong remaining condition aside from the noted barrel issue. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P/MA