Make: Olin-Kodensha, in Japan, for Winchester, Contracted by Reagent Chemical and Research, imported by CSMC.
Model: Parker DHE Grade
Serial Number: 20-04361
Year of Manufacture: 1984-1989
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4" Shells
Action Type: Side by Side with Mechanical Single-Selective Trigger and Ejectors
Barrel Length: 26", solid, concave, tapered rib.
Choke: The left barrel is Modified, the right Improved Cylinder, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the muzzle. The top of the rib is milled in a wave-like pattern for glare reduction, stopping at a scribed line just short of the muzzle.
Weight: 6 lb. 6.9 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece fancy checkered walnut with splinter forend, straight english grip, straight comb and a steel skeleton-style buttplate with the rear face of the stock checkered. The metal fixtures are D-grade engraved with casehardened forend features and blued buttplate, engraving and checkering to the original Parker specifications. The stocks have some scattered minor nicks and a few small scratches. There are a few more notable nicks around the edges of the bottom tang. There is a little finish wear at some edges, most notable at the rear edges of the stock. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2", drop at heel 2 1/2". The LOP measures 14 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a few minor marks at the toe, the butt's checkering is well defined. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Rust-Blued and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is infrequent, faint surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are crisp, the British proof and import marks are through the finish. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Included is a tan leather bound hard trunk case with canvas cover, snap caps, oiler, cleaning rods, brushes, and keys.
Our Assessment: In 1984, Winchester was contracted by Reagent Chemical and Research to manufacture a new Parker shotgun. The new SxS was a DHE model, available in 20 and 28 ga. initially. These models were fabricated in Japan to original Parker specifications, and the reproduction was so authentic that parts are interchangeable with the late Parkers made by Remington in Ilion, NY, with the exception of one screw. The original D Grade Parker used as the pattern gun unknowingly had a single replacement screw, which was meticulously reproduced by Kodensha on all of the Parker Reproductions. Tom Skeuse, the founder of Reagent and the driving force behind the Parker Reproductions project, would only find out later that this one screw was not original. On Sept. 17, 1999, a flood destroyed all remaining inventory, including parts and most of the factory records.
This 20 gauge DHE Reproduction is in Fine condition and appears to have had an eventful life, with proofmarks indicating that it made its way to the UK and a CSMC import mark from its return. The to-specification D grade engraving looks exceptional with some minor handling wear in the refinished stocks and almost none in the metal. The shotgun has a straight grip, single selective trigger and independent ejectors. Whether you’re a Winchester or Parker collector or just want one of the finest 20 gauge doubles made, this is a great addition to any safe in America. Please see our pictures and good luck!
