I can see lots of shades of Grey here. Definately a members only forum but the appraisors idea of original case color and someone else saying it's an older DelGrego redo is just an example of the difference of opinion. All we are talking about here are the opinion's of value and I don't see how an accurate opinion can be made on value with out the item in hand.

so how much is this worth? A Parker-Hawes 9' 3 pc, extra tip 6 wt.

I can only accurately appraise this in hand. Please send it to me and I'll give it a work out on the AuSable:) My guess is three Blue Gill, a Spec and one 20 inch Brown Trout:rotf:

I agree with you Gary and another aspect no one has brought up yet is the potential unterrior motive of a person offering an appraisal.

Certainly the PGCA or any of its officers or BOD will never give an appraisal on this forum.

Okay, I'll take the bait... but first I need to know what you paid for it...:shock:

Isn't that what we often hear whenever we wish to sell a gun? :banghead:

When asked to appraise a gun on paper, I always tell the owner if I am interested in owning the gun. At that point, he can look into my eyes and decide whether to go elsewhere for the appraisal. I have found out that some widder wimmen don't like to look into your eyes, especially if they are still in some kind of reasonable condition. They must be using some other procedure to determine your honesty.

A gun is worth whatever an individual will pay for it. If a member wanted opinions of other members to get an idea of its estimated worth that is one reasonable benefit. I would hate to see guns advertised as "valued by PGCA" on a gun for sale listing. If people want an estimate by the mass of Parker collectors they should have to join the PGCA, an added benefit. Just my opinion.

IMHO, this is a good idea that will be extremely hard, if not impossible to implement. If you look at the thread on this years PGCA meeting and think about the grousing in it about the location and date, just imagine what kind of negative vibes "judging and valuing" someones Parker will generate. With $$$$.00 involved it is going to get ugly. "You can't please all he people...." and this is going to cause some hard feeling and unsportsmanlike comments. JMHO.....

It is a great idea. Opinions would be worth what they are worth. I'm a lawyer and opine that there isn't any liablilty to anyone for giving an opinion based on what they see in a photo. Who cares if someone thinks accuarate appraisal can't be done. They're probably correct but the appraisal is what it is. If someone wants a real appraisal, then they need to go get one. If someone just wants a bunch of opinion, why not ask here? Seems to be the best place to get a bunch of opinions based on the info provided. IMHO.

It would be next to impossible to accurately appraise a Parker, Fox, LC Smith, Ithaca, etc. without having the gun in hand. A Stevens 311, perhaps. An interested owner would do better going to the "prices realised" section of the major gun auction sites and comparing what he has with those sold. Provenance is another matter and if a factory letter is available, perhaps he should order that first. A free appraisel is usually worth about as much as it cost. IMHO.

Best Regards, George