[Blue Collar]

Kirby, as a new member to this group, the other piece of advice that was not verbalized but was strongly implied to me as a potential Parker buyer; "be a risk taker."

With all of the implied encouragement from friends and well meaning experienced folks on this site and others, it is necessary, for you, to be willing to work with imperfect knowledge.

There is significant competition for most things Parker, in the market place. How often do you read, "I don't get to the forum except in the evenings and the "--" was already sold." You will love to see detailed photos of the firearm or memorabilia before making a purchase or even better actually have the thing in hand. All of this raises your confidence and improves your understanding of your purchase. But wait, there are some really good artisans out there who can make things look like something they are not. Plus there are subtle repairs and modifications that are difficult to identify and can make a difference in the value the the article you wish to acquire.

My advice, as a really new guy to this kind of acquisition and collecting in general; "be more than willing to live with the item no matter what." No matter if it ultimately is not a Parker original, no matter if its' value is not as first perceived, no matter if a restock, reblue, re whatever, no matter if you have to put significant $$ into making it close to what you originally wanted, because work was often done by a rank amateur with fraud in his/her heart or minimal skills. Ensure you can keep and use the thing and get as much enjoyment as if it was what you hoped it was.

So, while research will generally protect you from making a bad investment, it is possible, and you are going to derive the most enjoyment if you can absorb such "loses." After all many (should I say most) restorations will not return the investment during our lifetimes. And most firearms not in pristine, "like new" condition are probably less than they appear at first.

Ensure you are using discretionary funds and you can stand for the item being less than "perfect", and your enjoyment will be boundless. Good luck, Blue Collar.