I have been acquiring Parker marked loading tools via eBay for more than the last ten years. My objective has been to win one each of all the tools illustrated on the two accoutrement catalog pages shown in TPS via eBay. So far I’ve done pretty well, have not won every auction, but have seen everything go by at least once. Parker marked powder/shot measures were offered in two basic handle styles and a variety of woods. What I have observed about them is that they differ from all other similar style measures in that overall their quality is significantly better than any others, including best quality B.G.I. models. They are generally heavier plated, when plated, and the adjusting notches are finer cut. But the real indication that one is a true Parker measure is that the handle is secured by two small screws. One through the top and one through the bottom of the attaching ferrule. Every Parker marked measure I have has the two screws and I have not yet (never say never) come across a Parker like measure which is not marked Parker. I will also say that I have not yet (NSN) come across a definitely B.G.I. made measure that is marked Parker. I cannot say if Parker Bros. made the Parker marked measures, but I can say that they seem to be unique unto themselves and of a quality which bespeaks Parker; uniformly very well made, differing only in degree of decoration (wood and plating).
I must be off to a business trade show through the weekend, but will try to post some pictures of the screws next week.
__________________
Bob Roberts
|