In my work, I have probably seen as many Parker collections as anyone alive today. It really is a true privilege and I can say unequivocally, the great Parker collections of our time are are not the biggest. The biggest ones - typically over 100-150 guns often have a lot of mundane Parkers or parts guns.
Many of the collections I see are an amalgamation of guns the person thought were “cheap” when purchased. Buying on price alone, one typically ends up with a mish-mash of fair guns but usually very few desirable or collectible guns.
Undoubtedly, the finest collections, in my opinion, are highly focused and refined. They are usually less than 75 guns and end up becoming the perfect product of years of passion, dedication, and some risk. It takes a passionate person to seek a focused collection - the focus could be something like long barreled guns, big bore guns, high original condition guns, etc. the list goes on. The best collections are constantly being refined each time a better example is able to be acquired. The collector buys the better example and sells the lesser one. Perhaps that means selling the very fine AAHE 12ga to make room for a 20ga AAHE if one comes along, or simply upgrading for better dimensions, configuration, or condition. The “risk” component comes in when buying. This collector usually “steps up” and buys the best. He is taking a risk by paying the price necessary to refine and improve existing holdings. Very few collections are so refined that buying another Parker of high original condition would water down existing holdings.
There has certainly never been a better time in my lifetime to build a great Parker collection than today!!!
|