So When is "Original" no longer Original?

[Bill Murphy]

"Clearly done by Parker Brothers" determined by an experienced Parker researcher, is better than any lesser documentation by a selling dealer. There is a whole lot of work done by Parker Brothers and Remington that is absolutely original that is not documented by PGCA letters.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

"Clearly done by Parker Brothers" determined by an experienced Parker researcher, is better than any lesser documentation by a selling dealer. There is a whole lot of work done by Parker Brothers and Remington that is absolutely original that is not documented by PGCA letters.

Thanks, Bill. So who might be on this list of "experienced Parker researchers?"

Has the Association ever offered authentication services at any of its annual meetings or other affairs. Seems like a PGCA authentication would be a good way to add to the coffers AND help out some of those Parker owners that have guns for which records are not available.

[Bill Murphy]

It is in the eye of an experienced collector, as in "I know it when I see it". You will never see the PGCA offering any authentication by eye. However, many of our members have a good eye for originality or lack thereof.

[mobirdhunter]

I assume there are folks with expertise that for a fee would examine a gun closely (disassemble to check internal parts, for example) and issue a qualified outcome. Even our research letters have a caveat regarding the limitations of the records.

If there are people who would issue expert analysis of a gun, who are they? I certainly respect those with years of looking at and handling Parkers, but I assume there is more than just the eye test one could seek in those cases where records do not exist, yes?

[B. Dudley]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

Thanks, Bill. So who might be on this list of "experienced Parker researchers?"

Has the Association ever offered authentication services at any of its annual meetings or other affairs. Seems like a PGCA authentication would be a good way to add to the coffers AND help out some of those Parker owners that have guns for which records are not available.

That is a very slippery slope that could come back to bite the organization which is why I would think it should not be done. IF it had ever been considered.
Especially if it was a fee based service.

At any event or gathering there are plenty of folks willing to lend their OPINIONS on guns and originality. In the end that is all it is.

[John Davis]

If you are trying to prove something that's not in the records, good luck with the "experts" opinion. At the end of the day it's just that, an opinion. I'm not a purest or an investor, so I try not to lose to much sleep over such things. I just buy guns I like or fit me, and then don't apologize for it.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by John Davis

If you are trying to prove something that's not in the records, good luck with the "experts" opinion. At the end of the day it's just that, an opinion. I'm not a purest or an investor, so I try not to lose to much sleep over such things. I just buy guns I like or fit me, and then don't apologize for it.

John, Thanks for your response. I'm not trying to prove anything, and I agree with you about opinions -- we all have them, informed or otherwise (mine, I admit are probably not the best informed, but I've handled a Parker or two in 30-plus years of collecting, but in no way do I claim expertise). I, like you, am probably not what would be termed a purist, but I like the human nature of collecting...and how folks espouse their beliefs. I spent my career in art and I know a bit about authentication. It is a much different scenario than trying to fathom the vagaries of opinion. This question was brought on by reading another thread where the opinions expressed by contributors were, as is typical, all over the place.

I appreciated your comments, as I have all that have responded.

[John Davis]

Gary, I think you posted a great question. And as we've seen there's a number of ways to approach it. My response was directed more towards the idea that an "expert" opinion is going to prove anything. If it's not in the records, you are just guessing or hoping.