DelGrego Parker

[Bill Murphy]

I don't know, Bruce. I own a couple of Trojans without boxes that I would be hard pressed to sell for any reasonable figure. Their value in my mind is no less than VH guns also in my collection in the same condition. Lower grade guns seem to be valued more for their condition than for their grade or configuration. Odd situation, but true. Boxes are nice, but boxes and labels seem to be the target of fakers today even more than the guns themselves. Parkers don't seem to be targeted as much as Foxes and Winchesters, but just give us time.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

Lower grade guns seem to be valued more for their condition than for their grade or configuration. Odd situation, but true.

Bill knows this but didn't say . . .

The lower grade, or ungraded guns are highly prized for high condition because to find one is such a rare thing. These guns were 'utility' guns - to put meat in the pot - to rid the homestead of varmints and vermin - they were used hard, sometimes every day, and sometimes not well cared for. Condition was about the last thing their owners thought about, as long as they continued to fire and serve their intended purpose - so, to find one in high condition is a one in a thousand chance or greater.

[QUOTE=Bruce Day;8994]Ed Muderlak's Trojan 12ga was new in the box, with wrapping, never shot and possibly never assembled. I don't recall seeing any extractor drag marks on the standing breech. It was sold by EDM to Mark Vollinger, who later placed it for auction with James Julia. The gun gaveled for about $10,000 and with commission, likely totalled about $11,000, although I've forgot exact amounts.

The price fetched by that gun should not be taken as a price setting for Trojans in general, redone or worn original condition.-- Bruce- just curious a bit, was that Super-Mint Trojan a Meriden mfg. gun or a later Ilion mfg.? And in that pristine NIB condition, would its place of origin have affected the price to any degree?

[Lawrence Schaedel]

Hey, Thanks for the replys.Yeah I did get a letter from the Parker experts, Larry and Babe Del Grego.I am trying to get some money back from the seller.He has a hugh collection of firearms.He owns the armory in Franklin,Pa.If your in Franklin it is a must see.No I will not use this gun for hunting. thanks again, Larry

[Bruce Day]

Francis:

1. Don't recall. But you can go through the Julia auction postings if you need the answer.

2. The phrasing of your question about place of origin presumes that place of manufacture makes a difference for lesser condition guns. I don't believe it does regardless of condition. I believe each gun stands on its own for perceived value.

[Bill Murphy]

Ilion Trojans are very scarce or, possibly, non existent. I don't know if any Trojans have Ilion markings. I have only seen one Trojan over 240,000 serial number although there are some.

[Wild Skies]

The former EDM/Vollinger mint unfired Trojan #227,251 (c. 1929) is pictured a couple of times in Ed's book Parker Guns the "Old Reliable" pages 158 (c) and 174 (d).