Sporting Classics article on the Del Gregos

[Bill Zachow]

The most recent issue of Sorting Classics covers the Del Grego family and their business of repairing and refurbishing Parkers. In one section, Larry junior was discussing case color hardening. In his discussion he stated that all the lower grade Parkers were cyanide colored at the Parker factory. I know the Del Gregos cyanide colored their restorations but, it is my understanding, the Parker Bros. Used bone case hardening on all their guns. Is Larry prevaricating just a little to authenticate their own coloring methods. Am I wrong in my understanding of Parker Bros hardening method.

[Jim DiSpagno]

I thought Remington Parkers of a lower grade were cyanide colored

[Dean Romig]

I agree with you Bill. I have only read and heard from experts on the subject that Parker Bros. color case hardened their shotguns using the bone charcoal method.
However, Remington while they owned the Parker Gun Works at the facility in Meriden, may have been using the cyanide process on the lower grades. This, if it happened, might support DelGrego’s claim.





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[Wild Skies]

Per The Parker Story, Remington acquired the Parker Bros. gun business in 1934. They continued using the bone and wood charcoal casehardening process on all Parker guns made and assembled until ceasing operations in 1942. After World War II Remington replaced the bone and wood charcoal process with a cyanide process for all its casehardening work. There weren't a lot of Remington Parkers produced with the cyanide finish.

[Dean Romig]

Thanks Greg'

And this is the word of the "bible."

We should consult The Parker Story, our "bible" more often.





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[Dr Bob]

How can I get a copy of that article? I am willing to pay for the issue.

[winplumber]

Nothing personal but if Parker colors looked like DelGregos I would not be a Parker collector not that I have many with alot of color just dont care for it

[B. Dudley]

It is not true. Factory built parkers of any grade were never cyanide colored.

[mobirdhunter]

The article was interesting; and regarding case coloring, it was asserted that after New York banned cyanide in the early 2000s, all De Grego finished guns were hardened with the bone charcoal process.

[B. Dudley]

And any guns finished by Delgrego using Bone Charcoal Case Colors are done by Turnbull.