Parker DH 12 gauge -1916, DAMASCUS, 2 ¾” CHAMBERS, SKELETON BUTTPLATE

Parker shotguns get interesting in the DH Grade, with nice game scene engraving, figured wood, and elaborate checkering.   They made a lot of them, about 4200 with Damascus Steel barrels, so they are not hard to find.  What is hard to find is a Parker DH still retaining most of its factory-original condition.  The Damascus barrels have a couple of small imprints and the right barrel has a repaired bulge in a low-pressure area, but overall, they are in great condition, with vivid pattern retained at 96%, and safe to shoot with the appropriate ammo. Vintage Firearms carries a large selection of low pressure RST shells, ideal for use in such guns as this DH, please call to enquire. The engraving on the receiver is attractive, and you can still feel some of the small hooks and jags from the engraver’s tools; evidence that the remaining case color that can be found is from 1916, when Parker Bros. Makers’ craftsman built this sturdy shotgun.  The wood has never been fully refinished, so the checkering and wood to metal fit are fantastic, but there has been finish added over the years to protect the wood through its years of use, evident in the field marks found throughout.  The genuine look of honest use, handsome Damascus steel, detailed engraving, and factory touches of the Parker pistol grip cap and skeleton butt plate all add up to an appealing, classic shotgun ready for many more hunts.