I've got the shakes

[Dean Freeman]

Turns out the Parker I bought was misrepresented. The listing said it was a D grade, however it is in fact, a g grade hammer gun. Upon close scrutiny of distant photos provided by the auction house, i noted the absence of a spear point at the head of the stock. It should be noted that you could hardly see any markings in their photos. I was going solely on the auction house's description (anyone see a lesson forming here). So here is what happened. I called the auction house, they confirmed that it was a G grade and not a D grade gun. The owner promptly gave me the option to proceed with the transaction or to back away. I asked if he could send some detailed photos of the gun so I could verify its value and make an informed decision. I am waiting on a response.
So now you can see my quandry. I've bid a total of $1050 plus shipping and insurance. I'm unsure as to the type of bbls on the g grade. Twist will probably be a deal breaker for me, but if the bbls are regular damascus, should I keep the gun? The bbls do have a few dents. I've been told they are not serious and should be easily repaired. I understand that there are many varriables involved, but the real issue for me now is would I screw myself by accepting a gun that I would have put way too much money into. Looking into the lusty eyes of a parker gun is a bittersweet thing, when poor decisions put her in your hands.

More on this crime of passion as events unfold.

[Bill Murphy]

Tell us how to access the listing and we will tell you whether you should keep it or not. A Grade 2 will have Damascus barrels. I remember a gunbroker gun that was a 2 and advertised as a 3. Tell us the item number and we'll look at it for you.

[Dean Romig]

The "owner" should have also given you a value consideration based on the actual grade of the gun and the misrepresentation by the grade listed by the auction house (or perhaps the "owner").

[Dean Freeman]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

The "owner" should have also given you a value consideration based on the actual grade of the gun and the misrepresentation by the grade listed by the auction house (or perhaps the "owner").

I agree Dean, though their policy does not seem to allow this. The option for me is either to take it at the original hammer price of $1058 or walk away. In their defense, this was a HUGE auction and i'm sure that this gun was hastily graded and put away to make room for the next gun. Still, gotta get things like this right if your in the biz. Hopefully I will be able to post the close ups if the owner can get some to me. I image they're pretty busy after this auction.

I'll get more info to everyone as soon as it's available. In the mean time check out the link I posted to the Parker "D" Grade hammergun. The pics are very poor, but when you see the wood, you'll know why I was temporarily blinded by parkeritis; or would this be a case of Occular Parkeropathy?

[Dean Freeman]

http://www.auctionzip.com/aflive.htm...ref=127B13E647

See if this link will get you there. These bbls are damascus, just not sure if they are twist dam or other.

[Dean Romig]

"In their defense"...?

If they had any doubt as to the grade of the gun they could have walked across the parking lot to the James D. Julia auction house for verification as to the grade of the gun.

In the gun's defense... it is made on a 1-Frame and is desirable as such. It appears, in the not-so-good photos, to be in pretty nice, possibly cleaned-up, condition and if the dents are not severe and are repairable, might be well worth the price.

[Dean Freeman]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

"In their defense"...?

If they had any doubt as to the grade of the gun they could have walked across the parking lot to the James D. Julia auction house for verification as to the grade of the gun.

In the gun's defense... it is made on a 1-Frame and is desirable as such. It appears, in the not-so-good photos, to be in pretty nice, possibly cleaned-up, condition and if the dents are not severe and are repairable, might be well worth the price.

The rep from Poulin's said that they had done just that. The person he uses to grade the gun had originally called it a D grade gun. I'm thinking that either this person had looked at one too many guns that day, or he was only used to grade the more expensive small bores and collectors pieces? Regardless, you're right; she's a "looks good from afar". Now I have to discover if she's "far from good". Also Dean, that 1 frame was the whole reason im in this mess! Well, that and the fact that i'm an unabashed addict.

[Bill Murphy]

I will repeat what I said in an earlier post. A Grade 2 gun will have Damascus barrels, not Twist Steel barrels. The price doesn't sound bad if the gun is nice. Obviously, the other bidders knew it was a Grade 2 gun and you should have also. Next time you will know. Ask for a concession on total payment. If they refuse, chalk it up to your lack of experience.

[Gunner]

Another tip-off that this is a D2 grade the description of the engraving featuring birds. The auction house must of necessity use more than one person to grade this many guns. If their description is wrong as it is in this case they do not hold you to the contract. Poulins are good people. They also have an obligation to the consignor.
Look closely before you bid no one can assume your responsibility to verify for yourself.
Actually Gs described as Ds is not uncommon. I think it stems from the D on the barrel flats of most parkers having Damascus.
My notes indicate that this gun is "slightly loose." I don't remember if this is with the fore end on or off.

PS Inaccurate descriptions can be both bad or good if you are observant. Ex. One gun was described as having cut barrels but they looked righteous and are.
Erick

[Dean Freeman]

Originally Posted by Erick Dorr

Another tip-off that this is a D2 grade the description of the engraving featuring birds. The auction house must of necessity use more than one person to grade this many guns. If their description is wrong as it is in this case they do not hold you to the contract. Poulins are good people. They also have an obligation to the consignor.
Look closely before you bid no one can assume your responsibility to verify for yourself.
Actually Gs described as Ds is not uncommon. I think it stems from the D on the barrel flats of most parkers having Damascus.
My notes indicate that this gun is "slightly loose." I don't remember if this is with the fore end on or off.

PS Inaccurate descriptions can be both bad or good if you are observant. Ex. One gun was described as having cut barrels but they looked righteous and are.
Erick

Erick, if you've already handled this gun and it was "slightly loose" i'm assuming that it will be best for me to move on. I'll probably do just that unless you can convince me otherwise. I'm bad for taking in strays, this one may just have to find another home.