Edgar, small details changed over time. Cost savings measures. Scrollwork engraving became larger, some would say coarser, the small bead was dropped, checkering became coarser, the mullered border was eventually dropped. Still, of any period, you can find outstanding guns.
I'm a long way from being a big dog and am trying to work my way up from apprentice third class to second class.
I gave the Colt to a good local gunsmith for repair. The screws were in very tight, I soaked it in penetrating oil, still tight and I didn't want to bugger screws. I took the gun to the Colt Collectors Asso, which was having their national mtg in town, and they said it was just a good honest old gun that they would do nothing but keep it clean and functional. I see lots of these old Colts get refinished and engraved. The gun seemed to be worth about $2500, which was a surprise to me, particularly since you can buy a brand new one for $1100. If you think valuing Parkers is difficult, with Colts it seemed even more so. I saw guns which looked about alike to me and they were priced from $2500 to $6500 , and some up to $10,000 and I am not able to make reason out of it yet. These guys don't shoot their guns, they just fondle them . Makes a C grade Parker at $10,000 look like an absolute bargain, and you can shoot it on game and targets.
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