1918 Parker Bros VH Grade 20ga Blue 28" *DESIRABLE DOGS HEAD BUTTPLATE*

The Parker Brothers VH Grade refers to a specific level in the historic grading hierarchy of Parker Brothers shotguns, signifying one of the firm’s most ubiquitous and enduringly respected sidelock side-by-side designs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Parker Brothers, based in Meriden, Connecticut, produced finely made double-barrel shotguns from 1867 until the company was absorbed by Remington in the 1930s, and the VH Grade sits near the bottom of Parker’s hierarchy as a “Grade 0” or simplest hammerless gun that nonetheless embodied the company’s quality ethos; it was originally introduced as a hammerless Vulcan grade with Vulcan steel barrels and modest but solid fit and finish, making it highly attractive to working shooters of the era.

Unlike higher grades such as CH, BH, AH, AAH, and the top-tier A-1 Special and Invincible, VH models typically had plain American walnut stocks with straight-grain wood and simple checkering, restrained border engraving on the action, and extractors or optional ejectors — but lacked the ornate detail and premium materials of more expensive Parkers. The “VH” designation itself comes from the factory marking “Vulcan Steel” on the barrel rib, indicating the type of fluid steel Parker used for durability and serviceability; this was a significant selling point at a time when many shotguns still wore Damascus barrels.

Historically, the VH Grade was Parker’s best-selling model, with tens of thousands produced across multiple gauges and frame sizes from its introduction in the late 1800s through the early 20th century, often seen in 12, 16, and 20 gauges with 28?–30? barrels and double triggers. Today, a Parker VH is prized by collectors and vintage shotgun enthusiasts for its combination of classic Parker craftsmanship, reliability, and approachable collector value; while simpler and less adorned than high-grade Parkers, VH guns are still considered strong examples of American shotgunmaking and often command solid prices on the antique firearms market, especially when in original condition with matching numbers and steelwork.