Make: Parker Brothers

Model: VH Grade

Serial Number: 101097

Year of Manufacture: 1901

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 1/2” shells

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

Barrel Length: 28”

Choke: Left: Full, Right: Full, both fixed.

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib and a smaller brass bead about 6" from the rear of the rib. The rib is serrated for glare reduction, the serrations stop at a scribed line just behind the muzzle. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Parker Bros. buttplate. The stocks have only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8" and 13 1/4" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is scattered minor pitting in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 7 out of 10. 

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its current metal finish. The barrels have generally strong finish throughout. The receiver has stronger color toward the rear, muted toward the front. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish, most notable on the fences and guard. There are a few nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some are worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety returns to ‘safe’ when the action is opened. The barrels lock up with no play to the frame. 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 Brothers VH Grade Hammerless comes to us from 1901. The VH or Vulcan Grade was a “knockabout” gun produced by Parker which still had the same quality in manufacture and attention to detail of their higher grade, and higher priced, offerings. The Trojan would be introduced in 1913 to compete with lower priced options from other manufacturers, but the Vulcan would stick around for those who were willing to pay for quality but also wanted to actually take their guns into the field.

This example has 28" barrels choked Full, chambered for 2 1/2" 12 gauge shells. The gun has been refinished with new stocks installed, so it looks great for its age, and it retains decent bores as well as strong mechanics. Whether you want to add to your Parker collection or take this gun back out in the field, this classic shotgun would make a nice addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!