Parker DHE – 98% FACTORY CONDITION, SST, BEAVERTAIL, 32”

Parker shotguns get interesting in the DH Grade, with nice game scene engraving, figured wood, elaborate checkering, and more special-order features.  They made a lot of them, about 6300 with Titanic Steel barrels, so they are not hard to find.  What is hard to find is a Parker DHE with lots of special-order features still retaining most of its factory original condition.  Look at all Parker DHE guns for sale today on the internet and you will see guns in common configurations with buggered up screws, cut barrels, rust and pits, poor restorations, factory correct restorations, replaced wood, notable alterations to the gun’s factory specifications and more.  So how do you know which one to buy?  If you are looking at owning a fine Parker as both an investment that will grow in value AND a fine shotgun that can be used afield and at the club, you should look for guns with the highest factory original condition, rare guns with low production numbers, guns that remain notably unaltered since leaving the factory, and with features that fit your shooting needs.  This Parker DHE, sn234856 made in 1930 by Parker Bros. of Meriden, CT, is an amazing find.  Different from the common DHE, this gun was ordered with 32” Titanic Steel barrels choked M/F, trap style beavertail forend (barrels have the reinforced forend lug), Parker single selective trigger, ejectors, and what is likely a factory installed Jotsam Anti-Flinch recoil pad.  The Parker collecting fraternity would refer to this gun as a “Trap Configured” Parker, and most Parker trap guns shipped with a recoil pad.  MOST NOTABLY, THIS PARKER RETAINS 98% FACTORY BARREL BLUE, CASE COLOR, AND WOOD FINISH, A VERY HIGH-CONDITION COLLECTIBLE PARKER!  The rarity factor applies to this DHE with approximately 40 or so DHE guns ever built with 32” barrels and single selective trigger.  The beavertail adds to the rarity even more.  Review the photos and you will see strong case color, engraving that is still sharp and retaining the engraver’s “hooks” created during the hand-cutting process, clean factory checkering, and clear sharp lettering on the top rib.  The specifications are listed below.  The mechanics of the gun are excellent, with the barrels still tight on the hinge pin and breech face like a new gun, and the top lever well right of center.  The ejectors are strong and well timed, the trigger pulls crisp and light, and the screws are perfect.  There are no cracks or repairs in the wood and the stock is well figured on both sides.  The length of pull is measured from the rear trigger position (if it had a front trigger the LOP would be 14 ½”, so the wood is not short) and it is very shootable for most gunners.  This is truly an exceptional Parker that would be incredible for tough birds and long shots in the field, or as a competitive clays gun at the club.  You will rarely see such a high-condition, well optioned Parker for sale.  Thanks for looking.