Description:
Parker CHE 16ga., L.L. BEAN PROVENANCE, 6LBS. 6OZ, FACTORY ORIGINAL
Is there a more recognizable name in the outdoor world than L.L. Bean, purveyor of fine outdoor gear for 100 years? I have for sale a rare CHE 16ga. Parker once owned by Mr. Bean himself. This gun, made in 1933 and sn.236202, is well known in advanced Parker circles and was sold in 2007 at Julia’s Auction in Maine. Provenance derived from someone as famous in the grouse woods as L.L. Bean is certainly significant value added on any gun, but this Parker is special in many ways. First, it is one of 149 CHE 16ga. guns ever produced with nitro steel barrels, with another 38 produced with Bernard or Damascus steel. Do the math; less than 200 ever made, at least 20-30 gone from the face of the earth, leaving about 170 for us all to have on our wish list. Second, it has all factory finishes in excellent condition. Third, it is a very light Parker 16ga. #1 frame, weighing in at 6lbs. 6oz., about a ½ pound lighter than average, and is stocked in modern dimensions. ALL OF THE POINTS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER THIS PARKER A GREAT INVESTMENT VEHICLE ARE EVIDENT AND CLEAR. And what a great gun to take afield; lightweight, 26” barrels choked IC/F, and let your imagination run as you take your place next to Mr. Bean in the northern woods of Maine. It just doesn’t get much better than this.
The Acme Steel 26” barrels have excellent bores, 95% blue, 2 9/16” chambers (chambers and cones can be extended for $140 but not required in order to shoot 2 ¾” shells), tight ribs, choked IC/F (.011/.025, can be altered to your specs for $60 per barrel), with internal bore diameter .666 right, .664 left, minimum barrel wall thickness of 19 thousandths right, 21 thousandths left in one small area. These barrels are safe to shoot with modern loads and have not been altered since leaving the factory. I have measured literally 1000’s of barrels and when a lightweight gun is ordered, the weight has to come from somewhere. There are many Parkers out there shipped from the factory with 18 or 19 thou in wall thickness in the low pressure area just back from the muzzle. The small area on these barrels is 7”-10” back from the muzzle in a low pressure area measuring about 3” x ¼”. The remaining wall thickness is above 20 thousandths, the industry accepted minimum. Please ask if you want to know where I got that number. No dents, a few light marks in blue, reinforced forend lug, double ivory beads, a great set of barrels.
The receiver retains about 40% fading case color, clear sharp engraving, near perfect screws, action tight on breech face and hinge pin, ejectors strong and timed, trigger guard mostly silver, no “patina” or pitting anywhere, Parker second generation single selective trigger, fabulous engraving, a real treasure in the world of vintage American doubles.
The wood is nicely figured with no splits, cracks, or repairs, with excellent checkering, very good oil finish remaining, 14” LOP to a vintage Hawkins pad, 2 ¼” drop at heel, 1 11/16” drop at comb, neutral cast, perfect wood to metal fit, just gorgeous!
Investing in fine Parker shotguns is a well known way to put part of your monies into “tangible assets”. Picking the right Parker is sometimes difficult. This is an easy one, with a rare, low production gun with fine shooting and carrying qualities having belonged to such a famous figure always being a safe investment.
There are more photos upon request. There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on this gun. Please see my other fine Vintage Firearms on this website. Just click on the line that says “see all items from this seller”. Thanks for looking!
Condition:
Used - See Item Description
Caliber:
16 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted:
Shipping Notes: See Description
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
