Inquiry about Parker research letter

[Frank Cronin]

I just received today the research letter from Mark. This was a GH that was ordered by Leroy L. Leland in Baltimore, MD. February 1909. Curious to finding out, if anything who this person was, I started searching on Google. I also searched the archives on here. The only thing I could come up with were from a blogs and antiques articles regarding a world record purchase of Leroy L. Leland, Baltimore, MD handloaded shell box. Here is an excerpt of the article:

"Another world record was established when a determined bidder paid $3,266 for a Leroy L. Leland hand-load 12-gage partial shell box (made more desirable by the fact that it is not pictured in The Encyclopedia of Shotgun Shell Boxes). The box had no restorations and contained 19 original shells. A variation occurred in the non-scripted name “Leroy L. Leland” at the top portion of the box."

Just wondering if there is a connection in some way? I have no idea if this was an individual or perhaps a dealer in the early 20th century who sold firearms and ammunition.

I also attached a picture of the shell box that sold for $3,200 bucks! :shock:

[Dean Romig]

In what year did the shell box sell?

[Frank Cronin]

The article I found is dated June 25th 2009. So probably that year.

http://www.antiquetrader.com/article/winchester_die-cut_poster_closes_at_18k/

[Bill Murphy]

Leroy was a dealer. On July 22, 1904, he ordered 16 guns for fall shipment. Included in the fall shipment was another order of an unknown number of guns. 22 Pratt Street is right in the downtown Baltimore business district, just east of the harbor. There were several dealers who ordered Parker shotguns in Baltimore, but I am not familiar with one who ordered in quantity, other than Leland. You might ask the researcher how many Parkers were in the order for your gun.

[Frank Cronin]

Thanks Bill. I had a hunch you would probably have some knowledge in some way since this is in your neck of the woods. Thanks again for the reply. It's interesting and fun learning the history of these fine old guns.

[Bill Murphy]

Did your gun come with shells??

[Frank Cronin]

That would that be a nice find.... but there are no shells.

[Bill Murphy]

Frank, we are all impressed by the price paid for the Leland shell box. However, the commentary on the box and the price by the antique publication is a bit uninformed. The author indicates that the price is partially the result of the fact that the box is not pictured or mentioned in the "Encyclopedia......." The fact is that the mentioned publication is not anywhere near encyclopedic and probably doesn't mention or picture one hundredth of one percent of American shotshell boxes. However, it is one heck of a shotshell box.