I found this auction to be a little more than strange. There were honest Parkers that sold for what the upgrades sold for?
But, the strangest part of the auction was the implementation of a new "executive order" signed in February that U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service is implementing; and Julia is following. The situation is that nobody may sell Asian ivory without it being certified 100 years old or older AND African elephant ivory must be the same or documented under CITES as imported before Jan 18, 1990. Unless the object (gun in this case) has a U.S. Gov ESA Cirtificate, the object will sell less the ivory! Any of the guns sold at this auction that has ivory will sell but the ivory is removed. So ivory beads on the Parkers will be removed before the high bidder takes the gun.
If they want to keep it all original (together) Julia will hold the gun until a certificate is obtained by an outside supplied,at a cost to you of $1,500.
Don't ask me what ESA or CITES are, I don't know and frankly, I don't want to learn either.
I looked in the glass case and there were several nice Colts that have ivory grips with notices attached that the grip don't sell with the gun!
One of our members has a Parker with ivory inlays in the stock, that will look just great with them removed.
Anyone want to buy my old Steinway Piano ..... ivory keys not included?
