So When is "Original" no longer Original?

[Craig Budgeon]

There seems to be a discrepancy of what is original to Parker Bros./ Parker guns. Since the youngest Parker is nearly 80 years old and a rather complex mechanical device you would think that some maintenance or repair would be required over that 79+years. Judgement varies and I doubt there are truly very few Parkers which are as originally manufactured.

[Bill Murphy]

Jay, is that 20 gauge built on something other than a #0 frame? The weight makes it sound like it may be a #1 frame. Of course, the 32" barrels may account for the excess weight.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Craig Budgeon

There seems to be a discrepancy of what is original to Parker Bros./ Parker guns. Since the youngest Parker is nearly 80 years old and a rather complex mechanical device you would think that some maintenance or repair would be required over that 79+years. Judgement varies and I doubt there are truly very few Parkers which are as originally manufactured.

Agreed, however, there do exist some completely original, unfired, benchmark Parkers in a few collections. We are very fortunate that such guns do exist - otherwise we wouldn’t know how they looked when they were factory fresh.






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[Setter Man]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

Jay, is that 20 gauge built on something other than a #0 frame? The weight makes it sound like it may be a #1 frame. Of course, the 32" barrels may account for the excess weight.

Bill;

The gun is a 1-frame. It balances pretty well but it is a little muzzle heavy but not so much as to be a distraction in the heat of the moment.

Someday I hope to find a 20/28, 0-frame, in the same configuration.

Jay

[Opening Day]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Agreed, however, there do exist some completely original, unfired, benchmark Parkers in a few collections. We are very fortunate that such guns do exist - otherwise we wouldn’t know how they looked when they were factory fresh.






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Yep, I know of "one" unfortunately I don't own it anymore, but it's setting in the care of great caretaker who has a passion for fine American doubles.

[Dean Romig]

Same with one that I kept in my safe for about 8 or 9 years...





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[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Same with one that I kept in my safe for about 8 or 9 years...
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Hmmmm, and you let it go?!?

[Dean Romig]

It was a no brainer Garry. It was one of two that went to pay off my mortgage when I was surprised with an unexpected “retirement.”





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[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

It was a no brainer Garry. It was one of two that went to pay off my mortgage when I was surprised with an unexpected “retirement.”
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Hard not to see the investment value in guns that help pay the mortgage.

[Alfred Greeson]

Just a thought about Parker work. As you read and learn, many of the competition shooters seem to have always returned their guns to Parker to keep them in top shape and looking good. We really do not know how often this was done but if Parker did it, no problem. Interesting conversation, glad to hear of the good ones but as one member noted, we don't see many of those good ones out here, those Yankees keep buying them. Hats off to those Yankees who are keeper of the flame and great Parkers for future generations.