Parker case colors

[Richard Flanders]

Who was it that was collecting examples of original Parker case colors a while back? My VH12 has more color left than any Parker I've owned to date I think. I have pics to send to whoever needs/wants them.

[Bill Murphy]

You know, Richard, maybe that would be a great idea for our forum. Even in great works such as TPS and DGJ, great restorations kind of get mixed in with original guns and, consequently, no one knows what a real original looks like. In addition, some pictures, even if of original guns, don't identify the era of manufacture. Ed Muderlak coined the phrase "benchmark gun" to describe a gun that is so good in original condition that it would be used to compare to other guns we would consider adding to our collections.

[Bill Murphy]

Oh, by the way, Richard, I will give you my standard appraisal for no cost. "Richard, that is not an ugly gun.".

[Dean Romig]

EDM's "benchmark gun" was a Trojan, still in the original box with grease and wrappers.

[Pa SxS]

Are you sure those are original Parker case colors?

[Dean Romig]

I'm going with "yes".

[Hammer Gun]

It sure is a beautiful gun congrat's Richard any body would love to be seen with her!

[Autumn Daze]

Chuck,I would agree with Dean's opinion.

[Pa SxS]

First, I don't want anything I write here as being taken that I'm putting down Richard's gun. Dean and Dave believe it's right as rain and they've seen more Parker colors than I have. I've been wrong before and will be wrong again.

Richard, Bill, and I agree that some examples of original versus restored case colors would be helpful. It would be nice if we could study original/restored case colors with guns in hand but in most cases we have to rely on the camera which can distort the colors.

My observation of Richard's colors is that the blues are the correct colors. I can't tell if the area's devoid of color are worn off colors or straw colors. If they are straw in color, then there is too much straw. Parker colors had mostly blues, some purple/red, and very little straw. Look at Turnbull's and other restorers and you will see too much straw, especially around the edges of the frame and also around pins and screws. This is also evident in Richard's gun.

Anyway, that's my opinion from only one picture. Either way, it's a nice looking gun.

[Richard Flanders]

I only posted it because the gun is in phenomal condition and I see no evidence of tampering at any level. I think the colors are most definitely original and thought I remembered someone collecting pics of original colors. I've not owned a Parker with more remaining color than this one; my G grade 10ga hammer gun comes the closest and is very close to this. The other side and the floorplate aren't as colorful but are nice. I don't think this gun was used much at all in it's past life. The engraving is sharp with no signs of having been polished. Barrel blue seems original; no signs of polishing at all and the trigger guard has most of it's blue, which is rare. The lever is still to the right and the trigger pulls around 3.5#. I's a beaut for sure. I've seen very few V grades with this much color.