Parker(?) Powder Measure

[Mark Landskov]

Hoot mon! I just purchased a powder measure that looks exactly like one that is featured in TPS. It is very heavy and extremely well made. It is NOT marked with a manufacturer's name. Does anyone know if Parker made measures without markings? It is much heavier than the largest BGI and UH measures that I have. Cheers!

[Bruce Day]

Parker didn't make powder and shot measures. BGI made them and privately labeled them for Parker. We've shown photos of them here before.

[Mark Landskov]

Hmmmm.....page 552, the last paragraph, which continues onto the next page, clearly states that Parker made their own measures. I really can't interpret the wording any other way. Do we have a new source of information that supercedes TPS? The book does indicate that many other products in the Parker catalog were made by B.G.I. I will conduct a forum search for the photos.

[Dave Suponski]

Mark, I will reread your referrence. But Bruce is correct...Everything we know tells us that Parker Bros. loading tools were made by an outside source.

[Bob Roberts]

I have been acquiring Parker marked loading tools via eBay for more than the last ten years. My objective has been to win one each of all the tools illustrated on the two accoutrement catalog pages shown in TPS via eBay. So far I’ve done pretty well, have not won every auction, but have seen everything go by at least once. Parker marked powder/shot measures were offered in two basic handle styles and a variety of woods. What I have observed about them is that they differ from all other similar style measures in that overall their quality is significantly better than any others, including best quality B.G.I. models. They are generally heavier plated, when plated, and the adjusting notches are finer cut. But the real indication that one is a true Parker measure is that the handle is secured by two small screws. One through the top and one through the bottom of the attaching ferrule. Every Parker marked measure I have has the two screws and I have not yet (never say never) come across a Parker like measure which is not marked Parker. I will also say that I have not yet (NSN) come across a definitely B.G.I. made measure that is marked Parker. I cannot say if Parker Bros. made the Parker marked measures, but I can say that they seem to be unique unto themselves and of a quality which bespeaks Parker; uniformly very well made, differing only in degree of decoration (wood and plating).

I must be off to a business trade show through the weekend, but will try to post some pictures of the screws next week.

[Bruce Day]

I have a Parker stamped shot and powder measure which as is Bob says. While I wasn't at Parker Bros and have no means to independently verify, I have consistently been told is that BGI made the shot and powder measures for Parker . If that is inaccurate and I have been misinformed , please correct. The belief that they were BGI made is widespread in the Parker collecting community.

This shot measure is my only piece of Parker reloading equipment. I understood that other reloading devices labeled Parker were also made by BGI. I don't know about the things that have "Parker" cast into the piece, I've assumed those were PArker Bros made.

[Mark Landskov]

Well, dish me up a slice of humble pie! My measure is like the one on page 557, 2nd from the left, BUT...only has one setscrew securing the handle to the cup. If Parker did NOT make their measures, who did....and, is the one I have made by the company that supplied Parker? Aside from the single screw, it is the same. It does not even resemble any of my BGI, UH or European measures. Interesting!

[Mark Landskov]

Bruce, I guess I am basing my observations on the fact that TPS does a great job outlining all the different accoutrements, and who made them, but, when it gets to the powder measures, the reader is lead to believe that Parker made them. Maybe my measure pleased the folks at Parker, and they specified TWO setscrews for their version. Anyways, it makes it all very interesting. Cheers!

[Mark Landskov]

I wish I could see the other side of the far left measure on pag 557. My B.G.I. 23CR, with one setscrew, is a 'dead ringer'! Ha! The plot thickens.....

[Bruce Day]

Bruce, I guess I am basing my observations on the fact that TPS does a great job outlining all the different accoutrements, and who made them, but, when it gets to the powder measures, the reader is lead to believe that Parker made them. Maybe my measure pleased the folks at Parker, and they specified TWO setscrews for their version. Anyways, it makes it all very interesting. Cheers!

Bill Mullins and Charlie Price wrote TPS and were watching this thread. I expect they will contribute if they know.

[Dave Suponski]

I would venture a quess that Parker reloading implements were made by BGI to Parker specifications. It would be no big deal to tool up if you are already making the basic tools.As far as the Kelsey capper goes Parker held the patent for that and they also owned foundry's. They most likely made those themselves

[Bruce Day]

Mark, I studied TPS carefully and am now convinced that the popular belief that the Parker stamped shot measures, powder measures and combination measures were made by B.G.I.C.O. is wrong. TPS clearly says they were Parker Bros made and were of better quality than other makers.

Most of the Parker marked cleaning accessories were made by BG and there was a close longstanding relationship between the companies, so I think that carried over into forming the misbelief. I have spread the misinformation when asked and I know others have also. Perhaps we can correct that.

Perhaps Dave Suponski will see this also and come to the same conclusion.

I have a Parker Bros. stamped combination measure with ebony handle.

[Dave Suponski]

I have both BGI and Parker Bros. reloading tools in my collection. After Bruce got me motivated with his post I sat a spell with both measures. While the Parker Bros. measure has attatching screws for the handle assembly and the adjustment is more positive if I look at the handle profiles and the basic tube forming I would believe they were made by the same company. But this begs the question ...why would two companies very close in proximity and already have a business relationship manufacture the same basic tool? Of course this is just conjecture on my part. What I should do is contact Mr. Waite(one of our past board members)who is a decendant of Marcellus Hartley. Thanks Bruce for getting me off my butt on this one.