Determing the value of a gun.

[Rich Stearns]

Thank you all for your input. How would I figure if the latch has been changed? Was that something that happened early on in a Parker guns life? Were they so poorly constructed that it would have broke right away? Is it a common Parker flaw? Just interested because I know so much of the history for over 70 years of the guns life I am surprised Parker would have made such a poor product that it would have failed and been replace before my father got it in the early 50's. I am getting info form this site by mail maybe they will have more info on it. Sort of dissapointed that Parker would have such quality problems. I had in my mind these were good guns not just show pieces.

[edgarspencer]

Rich, You misunderstood my comment regarding the latch. What I was saying is it appears someone applied a gold wash to the latch lever. I'm sure that it was not replaced. This can be confirmed as it has the sn stamped to the underside of the body of the latch. They are durable, and while I have seen the small flat spring broken, even that is a rare occurrence.

[John Davis]

Rich, rest assured there’s nothing poor about a Parker and I seriously doubt anything has been repaired or replaced on your exquisite gun. And no one has suggested that it has been. Now whether or not it has been refinished is another matter and a hard call to make, especially when all you’re looking at are some pictures. For a gun like this one, you need an in person inspection by a very experienced and knowledgeable collector. And probably more than one.