Value

[Mark Callanan]

I know this will be all over the place
But I would love to know others thoughts on value of Parkers that have been re done
So if you are buying a gun that has been redone correctly ?
I assume an original has more value then one that has been re cased barrels re done, wood redone
So one could take a D grade in rough shape have a qualified Smith re do the gun
I assume if done well it has nice value but how much less then one in equal condition never redone
Help me out here I have wondered the answer

Thanks Mark

[Mills]

I have heard that a restored Parker will rate in value comparable to an original Parker in "very good" condition. Others on here may know more.

[Snap Cap]

Mark, at best and considering only the lower grades and most common configurations (ex. 2 frame 12 ga. 28" pistol grip) at best 50 %. For almost any other scenario, even less. Of course, what the value of the finished gun is to you is what really matters.

[C.O.B.]

Once it's restored/refinished it's no longer original and value will differ between seller and buyer.

I have a CHE damascuss 20 which acording to TPS only 8 were made with 26 inch bbls. It has the original (confirmed with a letter) Silvers pad thats crushed to a pancake and after 114 years the damascuss bbls could use to be refinished. Do I have the bbls redone and a new pad installed?? The gun would look better but then it's not "original" any longer and how many 100% original guns are out there esp in this configuration?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but it's only original once and therefor priced accordingly.

[SeeWee Bay]

New orig. Unfired in origional box same price as redone which will you pick to purchase ?
Rufus

[ed good]

guns redone by del gregos, turnbull and perhaps others seem to demand high prices.

[Bill Murphy]

In years to come, Del Grego and Turnbull full restorations with provenance will increase in value, just not as fast as original guns. Refinished guns with no provenance, not so much and not so fast.

[Fishtail]

The main fault with the 'restored vs. original argument' is that is presumes that you actually have two such guns to compare, when almost always you don't.

[Mills]

Some restorations are works of art in themselves. Also some upgrades are works of art. I was perusing the last James Julia catalog and noting the low estimates for beautiful upgrades

[Harry Reed]

If it is ugly and YOU want to have a nice Parker it is simple, restore/refinish it. Now if it is ugly, but it is still original the better. Do all you can to keep it original; stocks, buttplate, barrels, case colors, blueing/browning. If you restore it now you will end up with a seviceable and appealing Parker. I say do it. In the 1800's, firearms were tools. They were just as much a part of daily life as our computers of today. The difference is, IMHO, A Parker never becomes obsolete because of it's craftmenship. Tools don't last forever even if TLC is practiced. I would rather replace the wood handle on my father's old screw drivers or hammer handles rather then buy any new tool I can get my hands on. Parkers's are the same way. Bring them back to life. Enjoy them. But if you do it for profit you will never make out in the short term. To restore a Parker properly, with quality work, is expensive. So if you are motivated by the joy of shooting and owning a Parker, even a NICE Parker, I say do it. One thing is for sure, the next 100 years will not be near as hard on your Parker as the last 100 years were. I do promise you this, however, the craftmanship needed to restore a Parker will be very, very hard to find 100 years from now. Wonder what the topic of the day will be on this forum???