Shotgun for keeps and would like to know the value of it?

Question

A family member passed away and while cleaning out personal belongings we discovered a shot gun. I was allowed to keep the gun and want to learn more about it. I ordered a book on antique guns, but still don't know much about the parts and how they work. It has a 5 digit number on the silver near where you put your finger in. This same number is located inside where you open the barrells. This is a Parker Bros. Conn Damascus Steel PATD March 26, 1878. What is the best way for me to research the value of this gun?

Answer 1

I can tell you this much about the Parkers .

You will need to determine the grade and the condition to come close to knowing their value.

Parkers lowest price guns were the basic Trojan grade models. They can run from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars for higher condition guns. The damascus barrel models can be less desirable , unless in higher condition.

Higher grade guns climb in value up into the 10's of thousands so you can see the need behind determining condition and grade before value can be established.

Progressive grades going up from the Trojan are : VH , VHE , PHE , GHE ,
DHE ,CHE , BHE , AHE , AAHE , A-1 Special Grade .

Answer 2

try going to a gun dealer or a gun show you can get useful info from them, Take the gun with you just make sure it is not loaded and in a gun case.