Parker Bros. VH Grade 12 Gauge 34” Side By Side Shotgun C&R 1921

SOLD FOR: $1,030.00

LSB#: LSB250729TC070

Make: Parker Brothers

Model: VH Grade Hammerless

Serial Number: 199568

Year of Manufacture: 1921 (ref: “Parkerguns the Old Reliable”, by Ed Muderlak)

Gauge: 12 Gauge

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 “REG. U.S. PAT. OFF / PAT’D JAN. 18. AUG. 16. 1887. / PAT’D OCT. 25, 1910. / PAT’D AUG. 15, 190” and “VH / 199568 / V”. Each side of the case colored receiver has “PARKER BROS”. The bottom tang is marked “199568”. 

Barrel Length: 30  Inches

Choke: Fixed. Right: Cylinder, Left: Full.  

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. The stocks have scattered scratches and pressure dents along each side of the stock behind the grip. The checkering is well defined. LOP measures 14.5? and 13 5/8? from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue 

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bores are semi bright, with no erosion visible. In both barrels there are dents on the sides and are bulging the inside of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 4 out of 10. Please see a certified gunsmith to remedy the bore conditions.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches, dents, finish loss, and oxidization. There are scratches and dents on the barrel. The blue finish on the barrel had turned to a patina. The frame had turned to a patina. The screw heads range from  sharp to tooled with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good 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: This Parker Bros. VH Grade 12 gauge presents in Very Good overall condition, retaining about 75% blue with scattered scratches, finish loss, and areas turned to patina on both barrels and frame. The walnut stocks are sound with well-defined checkering, handling marks, and an inlaid initial plate; LOP measures 14.5″ and 13 5/8″. Mechanics are correct: dual triggers operate and lock-up shows no play. The rib carries mid and front white beads with wavy serrations for glare reduction, and fixed chokes measure Cylinder (right) and Full (left). The bores are semi-bright but exhibit dents that bulge both tubes internally, rating 4/10 in this writer’s opinion.

This 1921 C&R Parker remains a representative Vulcan Steel VH worthy of preservation, but the barrel defects require immediate professional attention before any use. Do not fire until inspected; have a qualified double-gun smith evaluate wall thickness, dent removal feasibility, and overall safety. A careful cleaning and conservative conservation of metal and wood will help stabilize condition while maintaining period character. Please see our photos and good luck with your bid! -N.P