Brian, there are certainly differences in features between the G and D grades , and I personally consider the D to have very desireable features, particularly the skeleton steel buttplate.
Nor are the Trojan and higher grades mechanically identical. Parker said that the locks and action are "of the same construction as our guns of higher grade" ( Parker catalogs). Absent in the Trojan are the mechanical features of the higher grade forend latch, dolls head top rib extension that had a wedging effect and ejector mechanisms. These are details that many collectors regard as significant features. As usual in Parkers, much of the appeal is in the fine details of design, construction, materials and craftsmanship.
My personal view, one that I know is shared by many other collectors, is that a reader needs to be careful to distinguish opinions that are frequently stated as fact in Parker Guns-Old Reliable. Certainly, any characterization of the D as the first "Quality" Parker is not found in any Parker catalog or other company materials nor is it in the factually based key reference book for Parker collectors, The Parker Story or the equally factually based Parker Gun Identification and Serialization book. Additionally, among long time Parker collectors who have nice collections, I have never heard that statement.
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