Parker(?) Powder Measure

[Captain Bob]

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.

[Roundsworth]

Well, dish me up a slice of humble pie! My measure is like the one on page 557, 2nd from the left, BUT...only has one setscrew securing the handle to the cup. If Parker did NOT make their measures, who did....and, is the one I have made by the company that supplied Parker? Aside from the single screw, it is the same. It does not even resemble any of my BGI, UH or European measures. Interesting!

[Roundsworth]

Bruce, I guess I am basing my observations on the fact that TPS does a great job outlining all the different accoutrements, and who made them, but, when it gets to the powder measures, the reader is lead to believe that Parker made them. Maybe my measure pleased the folks at Parker, and they specified TWO setscrews for their version. Anyways, it makes it all very interesting. Cheers!

[Roundsworth]

I wish I could see the other side of the far left measure on pag 557. My B.G.I. 23CR, with one setscrew, is a 'dead ringer'! Ha! The plot thickens.....

[Bruce Day]

Originally Posted by Mark Landskov

Bruce, I guess I am basing my observations on the fact that TPS does a great job outlining all the different accoutrements, and who made them, but, when it gets to the powder measures, the reader is lead to believe that Parker made them. Maybe my measure pleased the folks at Parker, and they specified TWO setscrews for their version. Anyways, it makes it all very interesting. Cheers!

Bill Mullins and Charlie Price wrote TPS and were watching this thread. I expect they will contribute if they know.

[Autumn Daze]

I would venture a quess that Parker reloading implements were made by BGI to Parker specifications. It would be no big deal to tool up if you are already making the basic tools.As far as the Kelsey capper goes Parker held the patent for that and they also owned foundry's. They most likely made those themselves