Trojan or DH?

[Steve McCarty]

Oops; I mean VH, Trojan or GH with fluid steel barrels.

I've got a little shotgun buying cash. I am not a collector of "fine" Parkers as a lot of the members here appear to be. I'm a collector of shooters. I shoot my SC and GH and I'd like to have a steel barreled Parker double. Actually I'd like a Trojan Steel GH if I could find one not too pricey.

Of course I see Trojans and I've held some and like them. I have only held one DH, but it cost $3200 which I thought was a little dear.

So, tell me, you Parker gurus out there, is my Parker buying $ better spend on a good DH, a nice Trojan or a fluid steel GH?....Sure it's a matter of personal preference, but I'd like to know what you all think.

Thank you.

SM

BTW: I'm leaning to the Trojan.

[Bruce Day]

Steve, the Trojan is undoubtedly a reliable, sturdy and well made shot gun that will last for generations and will serve an owner well as a field gun.

The D grade was Parker's mid level gun and displayed most of the characteristics of high grade Parkers. Decent and interesting, though standard, engraving, figured usually European walnut, fine checkering, nicely finished barrels in either fluid steel or damascus, and that distinctive and finely inletted skeleton steel buttplate were the hallmarks of the D grade. The D was often special ordered with selected weights and configurations; the Trojan was mostly a standard stock item.

So in the field you'll find a Trojan 12 to be somewhat heavy at around 8lbs. The D's even when a 2 frame 30" 12 were around a half pound lighter. Maybe that is not important for a fowler, but would be for a game gun.

Then some people like to sit in the easy chair in the evening and admire their Parkers. Well, the D has a lot more features to admire and is certainly easier on the eye.

I'm not going to tell you one is better than the other because that is such a personal choice, but in a general sense, the more one article is more finely crafted than the other, the more care is used in materials and craftsmanship, then most would agree that one is better than the other. Your choice, the pricing when made and continuing through today reflects the greater value to purchasers of one over the other. So you have to decide whether you are a basic, no frills person, or whether you want and can afford a level of higher craftsmanship and materials.

You mentioned a Trojan Steel GH. There is no such thing.

May I suggest you spend some serious time looking and handling a variety of Parkers before you jump? The PGCA meetings, Tulsa gun show, Pheasant Fest shows, NRA shows, UP shoot, numerous others are good places to meet Parker people and talk over guns. I don't know about the gun shows in central Oregon and you may have go all the way to the Las Vegas show to see many Parkers. The old advice about buying the best gun you can stretch to afford will stand you well and most people are happier in the long run to have something they treasure.

[Brian Dudley]

You can buy a very nice Trojan for the money as compared to any higher grade. And you still get the same Parker gun, just without the frills. However, the options are limited on them and a 12g. is a heavy gun as bruce stated.
Unless you want a heavy gun.

Finding a Steel barreled GH gun is going to cost you some more money than you are maybe wanting to spend since there are a lot more Damascus GH guns out there than "Parker Special Steel" barreled GH's.

I recommend you look at a VH as your Parker of choice. They are all fluid steel barreled and are readily available. Options, like ejectors are available on them and you can get them in different frame sizes. A 1 or 1-1/2 frame in 12g. is nice for carying in the field. Typically in the 7 lb. range. Typically $1k will buy you a nice VH that is not too nice to hunt with.

[Bruce Day]

I agree that a V grade is the best value in a Parker, and add that a damascus G is also a great bargain. When Remington accountants reviewed Parker Bros pricing and cost of production, they determined that Parker Bros had been losing money on V grades for the several years preceeding the 1934 buyout.

I disagree that with a Trojan you get the same Parker gun as with any higher grade. You get a Parker but to me a Parker is all about the details, most of which are absent in the Trojan. You do get a quality gun. Its not the Trojan that made Parker Bros successful and famous.

[David Holes]

I have to agree with Bruce, A G grade damascus barreled gun is hard to beat for the price. Last junker G grade I brought home for $450.00. And a 1 frame to boot.

[Steve McCarty]

Steve, the Trojan is undoubtedly a reliable, sturdy and well made shot gun that will last for generations and will serve an owner well as a field gun.

The D grade was Parker's mid level gun and displayed most of the characteristics of high grade Parkers. Decent and interesting, though standard, engraving, figured usually European walnut, fine checkering, nicely finished barrels in either fluid steel or damascus, and that distinctive and finely inletted skeleton steel buttplate were the hallmarks of the D grade. The D was often special ordered with selected weights and configurations; the Trojan was mostly a standard stock item.

So in the field you'll find a Trojan 12 to be somewhat heavy at around 8lbs. The D's even when a 2 frame 30" 12 were around a half pound lighter. Maybe that is not important for a fowler, but would be for a game gun.

Then some people like to sit in the easy chair in the evening and admire their Parkers. Well, the D has a lot more features to admire and is certainly easier on the eye.

I'm not going to tell you one is better than the other because that is such a personal choice, but in a general sense, the more one article is more finely crafted than the other, the more care is used in materials and craftsmanship, then most would agree that one is better than the other. Your choice, the pricing when made and continuing through today reflects the greater value to purchasers of one over the other. So you have to decide whether you are a basic, no frills person, or whether you want and can afford a level of higher craftsmanship and materials.

You mentioned a Trojan Steel GH. There is no such thing.

May I suggest you spend some serious time looking and handling a variety of Parkers before you jump? The PGCA meetings, Tulsa gun show, Pheasant Fest shows, NRA shows, UP shoot, numerous others are good places to meet Parker people and talk over guns. I don't know about the gun shows in central Oregon and you may have go all the way to the Las Vegas show to see many Parkers. The old advice about buying the best gun you can stretch to afford will stand you well and most people are happier in the long run to have something they treasure.

living way out here in the far northwest I find few gunshows that have a lot of Parkers. However, Las Vegas is only about ten hours away...Maybe 12. The Reno show is usually pretty good too, only 8 hours away.

I am going to think about it. I do need to attend some good gun shows. I think you guys back east have more than we do way out here in the far west. Seems to me that most of you guys are in the east. I was raised back there. The woodcock shooting was wonderful.

[Steve McCarty]

You can buy a very nice Trojan for the money as compared to any higher grade. And you still get the same Parker gun, just without the frills. However, the options are limited on them and a 12g. is a heavy gun as bruce stated.
Unless you want a heavy gun.

Finding a Steel barreled GH gun is going to cost you some more money than you are maybe wanting to spend since there are a lot more Damascus GH guns out there than "Parker Special Steel" barreled GH's.

I recommend you look at a VH as your Parker of choice. They are all fluid steel barreled and are readily available. Options, like ejectors are available on them and you can get them in different frame sizes. A 1 or 1-1/2 frame in 12g. is nice for carying in the field. Typically in the 7 lb. range. Typically $1k will buy you a nice VH that is not too nice to hunt with.

Thank you, Brian:

Since I posted the above I perused the Guns International pages. They had just under 500 Parkers for sale. They are not rare.

Trojans are usually the same one from another. The VH is a pretty plain gun, but they look very Parkerish and I like them. I like the DH better. They generally run $4K or so. I own a GH and like them and I like the engraving. I think I can find a fluid steel gun for around 4K too.

So, I'm going to enjoy this shopping. On the guns site they advertised a GH with three barrels, a 30, a 28 and 26. The 28 is damascus. 7K. Cased and a bit over done, but nice. If I wasn't married I'd buy it tomorrow.

[Craig Parker]

Steve, for a set I'd have to take a look at this one,
Parker GH 12ga 3 Barrel Set, Cased, NICE! $LOWERED
******
* Auction # 311092597*
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=311092597

Craig

[Steve McCarty]

I agree that a V grade is the best value in a Parker, and add that a damascus G is also a great bargain. When Remington accountants reviewed Parker Bros pricing and cost of production, they determined that Parker Bros had been losing money on V grades for the several years preceeding the 1934 buyout.

I disagree that with a Trojan you get the same Parker gun as with any higher grade. You get a Parker but to me a Parker is all about the details, most of which are absent in the Trojan. You do get a quality gun. Its not the Trojan that made Parker Bros successful and famous.

I own an I grade Lefever and a very nice Sterlingworth and the Trojan is in the same class. So I think it is logical that a DH is a better place to put my Parker buying $. A VH is nice too, but far from a fancy gun, but they do have Parker "bones".

This whole "Parker" thing is a mind set. But it's more than that. When I inspect my two Parkers the quality of the barrels/action and the wood to metal fit are spectacular. I'm not just saying this. It is true.

I handed my GH to a skeet shooting friend. He mounted the gun and it came directly to his eye. It is amazing, and in the day when they mounted the gun from their waist it was important that they came to your eye quickly. A Parker will do that.

So there are lots of things that make Parkers exceptional. But I'm probably speaking to the choir.

[Steve McCarty]

Steve, for a set I'd have to take a look at this one,
Parker GH 12ga 3 Barrel Set, Cased, NICE! $LOWERED
******
* Auction # 311092597*
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=311092597

Craig

Wow, Craig that's the set that I was looking at in Guns International! I need to look at it some more.

[Craig Parker]

Steve, it's been hard watching this one for it's been listed for some time.

Craig

[Pete Lester]

I handed my GH to a skeet shooting friend. He mounted the gun and it came directly to his eye. It is amazing, and in the day when they mounted the gun from their waist it was important that they came to your eye quickly. A Parker will do that.

Not all of them will do that, there are plenty of Parker guns with excessive drop by today's standards and shooting styles. With any gun that will taken to the field stock dimensions are a critical factor to be considered. A handsome gun that shoots poorly due to it's dimensions is not a gun I would enjoy.

[Brian Dudley]

Well, if you have $4k to spend, then you can buy multiple very nice Trojans or VH's with that.
If that is the price range you are willing to spend, then a Highly optioned, steel barreled GH grade or a DH grade is your ticket.

There is a pretty distinct line between the GH and DH grades. The DH was the first grade that was considered "Quality". It is the first level where special features like Drop points, SSBP, Imported walnut, stock oval and fuller coverage engraving is standard. And many are available with Titanic Steel barrels.

[Bruce Day]

The DH was the first grade that was considered "Quality". It is the first level where special features like Drop points, SSBP, Imported walnut, stock oval and fuller coverage engraving is standard. And many are available with Titanic Steel barrels.


I don't know what the source or justification for the statement that the D was the first grade that was considered "Quality". I've never heard that before.

If you look at a Parker catalog, you will find that the name of every single Parker from the A- 1 Special to the Trojan is identified as "Quality ---". I consider all Parkers to be quality guns, just different levels. The base grade guns are the Trojan, V , P and G, mid grade D and high grade C and above. They are just different and climb in detail and execution. I have consistantly found that owners of multiple high grade Parkers use a V or other lower grade afield.

And a person can have a nice beginning of a Parker collection with a decent G and a V.

Photo 1: 1910 GHE 12ga damascus.

Followed by a buddy and his 12ga VHE. I think he has a few upper grades back in the safe.

[John Dallas]

Take 3/4" drop out, and add 3/4" to the LOP. and I'd be buying that gun

[Brian Dudley]

I do not mean to dis-credit the "quality" of any Parker. That is why I stated earlier that the purchase of a Trojan will get you the same Parker quality as any other grade since they are mechanically identical, just not as finely finished.

My statement about the parting line between the GH and DH grade is a paraphrase of one taken from "Parker Guns: The Old Reliable", I believe that was the book that it came from. It describes there being a significant difference between these two grades in the amount of hand embelishment and special features.

[Bruce Day]

Brian, there are certainly differences in features between the G and D grades , and I personally consider the D to have very desireable features, particularly the skeleton steel buttplate.

Nor are the Trojan and higher grades mechanically identical. Parker said that the locks and action are "of the same construction as our guns of higher grade" ( Parker catalogs). Absent in the Trojan are the mechanical features of the higher grade forend latch, dolls head top rib extension that had a wedging effect and ejector mechanisms. These are details that many collectors regard as significant features. As usual in Parkers, much of the appeal is in the fine details of design, construction, materials and craftsmanship.

My personal view, one that I know is shared by many other collectors, is that a reader needs to be careful to distinguish opinions that are frequently stated as fact in Parker Guns-Old Reliable. Certainly, any characterization of the D as the first "Quality" Parker is not found in any Parker catalog or other company materials nor is it in the factually based key reference book for Parker collectors, The Parker Story or the equally factually based Parker Gun Identification and Serialization book. Additionally, among long time Parker collectors who have nice collections, I have never heard that statement.

[Pete Lester]

FWIW the language on our website under "Parker Grades" seems to suggest we (PGCA) consider there to be dividing line between the D and G (and below).

The Grade 3 was introduced in 1875 and was very popular at a cost of $100 (a 100 Dollar grade). The DH is considered the lowest grade parker to be a custom grade shotgun.

The DH had Damascus barrels until Titanic Steel barrels were offered as a popular option. The stock was made of Circassian walnut. The stock commonly has a silver shield behind the tang, nickel or silver plated triggers and spear-pointed extensions to the stock side panels. The checkering on the stock is more elaborate than lower grades and is a deep, twenty lines to the inch. Stocks were fitted with a skeleton butt plate as standard but recoil pads were an option. Dogs were almost always a feature of the engraving on the sides along with some extensive scroll work. Before 1897, almost all grade 3 guns had Damascus barrels and Titanic Steels after that date, that is, until the Acme Steel barrels were introduced.

The Grade 3 hammer gun was the lowest grade to have sculptured barrel bolsters.

Ejectors were an option for DH Parkers with ejectors (DHE) are desirable to collectors which can add to their collector value.

Production Numbers*:

[Rick Losey]

FWIW the language on our website under "Parker Grades" seems to suggest we (PGCA) consider there to be dividing line between the D and G (and below).

The Grade 3 was introduced in 1875 and was very popular at a cost of $100 (a 100 Dollar grade). The DH is considered the lowest grade parker to be a custom grade shotgun.
:

Thanks for highlighting that Pete, I would hate to have my wife question my justification for getting a DH
:whistle:

[Pete Lester]

Additional FWIW, I think the Baker style (snap on) forend latch is mechanically superior (but far less aesthetically appealing) compared to a Deely forend latch. Babe DelGrego commented to me that you won't find a loose Trojan with the forend in place.

[Bruce Day]

Pete, that statement is correct except that D grades did not have Acme steel barrels, which the statement implies.

The issue is whether as Brian mentioned that the D is the first "Quality" Parker, as if the G and lower grades weren't. Nothing supports that statement. The better statement is that the D has many details considered desireable by collectors, is considered a mid grade Parker and was frequently ordered with custom features.

One of our top collectors had a fabulous and full collection of high condition P grades in every gauge. Do we walk by and dismiss those as not being considered "Quality" Parkers?

[Pete Lester]

That is not my statement, I am simply pointing out what is on our web site. I also did not comment on what is a "Quality" Parker. I would be impressed with a collection of high condition Trojans in every gauge and barrel length much less P grades. They are all Quality guns to me, just varying in their features, rarity and value.

[Gerald McPherson]

Well here's what I think. I have a VH 12 ga 1&1/2 frame 26in not exactly choked mod and full 3in drop. It is light and quick. I am 5ft 6in tall. Of all the guns I have shot and hunted over the years and that is a lot this gun has kept me happier than any I have ever shot. It is still very tight even though it has been hunted hard and I think regularly since 1914. It is totally honest no rust no cracks even the forearm is almost smooth.In Georgia bushes and dove fields I hit better with it than anything I have ever used. I think the 3in drop at heel and the chokes are the secret. I do wonder what is going on inside the tubes as it kills close as well as far. The wood is better than I usually see on Parkers here more like a G or D grade. So if satisfaction is what you are looking for and you find one that does that for you. then go for it. One more thing the screws appear to have never been turned. That being said 98 years is a long time to go without needing repairs
or cleaned inside. To me that is Quality. JMHO. One thing I have noticed on the G grades that I have seen here in the South they almost always seem to have more case color even if they are worn out and almost all are. I seldom see a Parker around here and many people have never even heard of them. Gerald.

[Steve McCarty]

Not all of them will do that, there are plenty of Parker guns with excessive drop by today's standards and shooting styles. With any gun that will taken to the field stock dimensions are a critical factor to be considered. A handsome gun that shoots poorly due to it's dimensions is not a gun I would enjoy.

I've noticed, as we all have, that old shotguns often have a lot of drop and I've often wondered why, since shooting is shooting and those guys in the 19th Century were as serious about it as we are. Pigeon shooting was expensive and it wasn't until the advent of flying clay birds that trap shooting became a rage, but it did. Of course bird hunting was popular then and it wasn't hard to find a place to hunt...least I think so.

So, I guess that the low comb was used to better shoot birds, but I don't know why.

I'm going to hold off on buying a new Parker until I can attend a good show. I think the Reno show is going on now. They hold it three times a year and I'll have to catch one of the later events.

How much do I have to spend? A few bucks, but I'll hold off spending 4K unless I actually have the gun in my hands. Then reason dims and lust overtakes.

[Mills Morrison]

I will take a Trojan over most other non-Parker shotguns any day of the week. My first Parker and perhaps my favorite gun is a Parker Trojan. I think it was Pete Johnson who said a Trojan is to guns like the Model T Ford is to cars - an American classic.

[Brian Dudley]

It is clear that the word "quality" was not the best actual word to convey what I was trying to say. The whole "custom shop" idea is what I was getting at.

[charlie cleveland]

i think most of us fellows especially me know what you fellows mean about these great old guns...the prettier and more engraving on it means it usally set in the house while my go to guns are not that pretty but are quality....charlie

[edgarspencer]

I don't have all the reading material most of you have, but I have had, to the detriment of my retirement savings, the intuitive ability to distinguish 'quality' irrespective of the form into which it is contained. I believe that product lines which are based upon a foundation model are simply enhanced, or embellished more than the lower price version. It may simply be semantics, but I don't think these embellishments, or enhancements add to the quality, so much as they add to the desirability. In the case of Parkers, Form doesn't alter function.

[wayne goerres]

Question. I have noticed that when grading parkers (useing a D grade as an example) that some are listed as D an some are listed as DH and others as DHE. Now if D is the grade and E is for extractors than what is the H stand for .Just quirious.

[Dave Suponski]

Wayne, To clarify things a bit for you. A D grade would be a hammergun. A DH would be a D grade hammerless gun sans ejectors and a DHE would be a D grade hammerless gun with ejectors.

Although this is the proper terminology many times these designations are used interchangably.

[Steve McCarty]

I will take a Trojan over most other non-Parker shotguns any day of the week. My first Parker and perhaps my favorite gun is a Parker Trojan. I think it was Pete Johnson who said a Trojan is to guns like the Model T Ford is to cars - an American classic.

How does the Trojan stack up to a Sterlingworth? I have one of those. Fox Fools adore their Foxes. Okay, some guys like blonds others redheads. Apparently all Trojans are 28 F and M with pistol grips and hard pad. I like the feel of the Trojan, the balance seems where I want it to be. My GH #2 is heavier that I like, but I've never weighed it. I like the "fine" work on it, nice pratical engraving, pretty fully figured wood. Checkering worn smooth especially on the forearm.

I'm going to give Trojans a good hard look, but if a fancier gun comes along, even if twice the price I may swing for it. I've got to see them first.

But I want to thank all of you guys who have offered up comments about the quality/charastics of various grades. Helped me understand Parkers better and I've got several of the standard reference books. The alphabet game that comes with Parker discussions can be confusing to a novice....even if accompanied with pictures.

[Mills Morrison]

Pretty is as pretty does. I bought a PH 12 earlier this year which has ugly repairs on the stock, but knocks clays like nobody's business. Now, it won't win any beauty contests.

[wayne goerres]

Thank you for your help. That H has had me puzzled for some time.

[edgarspencer]

Steve, I can't say for all gauges, but the 12 gauge Trojan was available with 28" and 30" barrels. Various choke combinations as well. I couldn't say with any authority, but there are 26" Trojans listed on a few sites too, but it's possible they may be shortened from a 28 or 30" barrel.

[Brian Dudley]

The Trojan was created partly out of competition with the Fox Sterlingworth, as well as other field grade guns from manufacturers like LC Smith and Ithaca. Is most cases, the guns were half (or more than) the price of Parker's VH.

Parker was though, relatively unaccomodating on special orders for Trojans. They were not available with any options and selection of frame sizes, barrel lengths and dimensions were limited.

That is mainly where the Sterlingworth and the Trojan vary is that the Sterlingworth was available with more factory options. The Sterlingworth was always available with Ejectors.

The Fox is also a very good gun. The mechanism is a bit more simple than the Parker. Most would say that it is the only other American made Box Lock that compared to Parker by way of reliability and quality. I would wager to say that many of us Parker guys may own a Fox as well.

[calvin humburg]

I have a 16 Trojan was called IC Full when I bought it. Havent patterned it. Dave Sanders has a 16 Trojan for sell little rough don't know about price that is up to the buyer. I've met Dave he is a really nice fellow. I think he is on his own again.

[edgarspencer]

The Lefever people swore there was no such gun as a Nitro Special with ejectors, yet a friend has one, and it's not a made up gun, according to Brad B.
Anytime Trojans are discussed, the lack of ejectors comes up, but I know I recently saw a Trojan with ejectors come up for sale.
Never say Never

[Brian Dudley]

Yes... Never say never. I do not think that Ejectors were ever formally an option on the Trojan, but who knows how much it would have taken to convince Parker to make one.

The Single Trigger was a very late option on the Trojan and not many were made (only 20 or so). One of those was recently up fro sale on GB. It was very interesting to see one.

Edgar,

I do recall discussion on the Nitro Special with ejectors that you mention. Even the single trigger on a Nitro Special is a rare option, but they are out there.

[Steve McCarty]

The Lefever people swore there was no such gun as a Nitro Special with ejectors, yet a friend has one, and it's not a made up gun, according to Brad B.
Anytime Trojans are discussed, the lack of ejectors comes up, but I know I recently saw a Trojan with ejectors come up for sale.
Never say Never

I do not like ejector guns because it is easier to pluck out the shell than to try to catch it when dropping the barrels.

My Sterlingworth and Lefever guns are F&M. I've got a flat of "spreaders" I'm going to try them at Skeet.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/GermVMA211/Shotguns/Shotguns007.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/GermVMA211/Gun%20Stuff/Lefevershotgun001.jpg

[Jerry Harlow]

Steve,

You mentioned there are few Parkers at guns shows in your area. And prices are everywhere. I would suggest looking here for Parkers for sale that are listed here first before they go on one of the auction sites. There are very nice guns for reasonable money offered for sale. Some real bargains. The descriptions are usually very detailed and include the critical wall thickness measurements, choke measurements, length of pull and drop. The guns from my experience are just as described and in my opinion these members are a source to be trusted. But you've got to be quick when they appear on the for sale section if you are interested in buying one of them.

While you ask about a Trojan as compared to the VH (or PH for that matter), I would always for the same or close money go with the higher grade gun. The metal work, metal hardware on the forearm, higher grade wood, dog's head buttplate, and finer checkering are certainly more appealing in my opinion. And usually lighter even in the same frame size. But there were less than half as many utility grade Trojan's made so one in good shape is a true find.

[Steve McCarty]

Steve,

You mentioned there are few Parkers at guns shows in your area. And prices are everywhere. I would suggest looking here for Parkers for sale that are listed here first before they go on one of the auction sites. There are very nice guns for reasonable money offered for sale. Some real bargains. The descriptions are usually very detailed and include the critical wall thickness measurements, choke measurements, length of pull and drop. The guns from my experience are just as described and in my opinion these members are a source to be trusted. But you've got to be quick when they appear on the for sale section if you are interested in buying one of them.

While you ask about a Trojan as compared to the VH (or PH for that matter), I would always for the same or close money go with the higher grade gun. The metal work, metal hardware on the forearm, higher grade wood, dog's head buttplate, and finer checkering are certainly more appealing in my opinion. And usually lighter even in the same frame size. But there were less than half as many utility grade Trojan's made so one in good shape is a true find.

Jerry, I think your advice is good advice. I'm not in a hurry to buy something new and I have some very nice shotguns already and I'm enjoying shooting them. Nor am I into high grade guns, I just don't want to lay out that kind of cash, but I like nice shooting guns. Truthfully, my GH is a little too ancient. I like it and I shoot it, but I'm still looking for a more shootable Parker. By shootable I mean a higher comb and open chokes. I like a 14" LOP or close to it. Sure, I'll change my mind if I see the gun that I really want. So I'm waiting. I am enjoying it.

[edgarspencer]

I received a 1937 Parker catalog for my birthday from a very good friend. It's stamped on the cover "Haskell G. Richardson", who, I believe, was a Parker salesman. My friend bought it from Mr. Richardson's daughter.

On page 3, it states: "All Parker guns are hand fitted, but naturally as the grades advance, a still higher quality of workmanship is demanded from the fitters and other highly specialized artisans whose handiwork is synonymous with PARKER QUALITY"
"The addition of fancy stocks and beautiful engraving is not alone responsible for the advance in prices from one grade to the next higher. More accurate hand fitting is of course to be expected........."

It has always been my belief that all grades embodied quality in their manufacture and finishing, but it surprises me somewhat that they made the distinction that 'quality' went up with the grades. My dad owned several guns in the top tier of grades, but, perhaps wisely, I never opened them up. I have opened up a few hammer guns to clean or inspect the locks, but it's been pretty much my conception that even my V grade guns were built to an exceedingly high level of quality. They close with the distinct Parker 'click', just as nicely as my BHE.