Originally Posted by Bruce Day
There is a $200 grade lifter with the bullseye stock pictured in TPS. I had been aware of that gun. A few years ago, CH and I drove in a hurry to Puglisi's where two such guns, both 10ga's were available, along with some other interesting guns. We returned south with a some and one of the bullseye lifters . Jack said and we called several others to confirm, that there was something between 10-12 guns known with this feature, all $200 grades, and the bullseye was a feature of some but not all of the $200 grade guns. Other advanced collectors ( not putting me in that category) have said the same.
So, when I saw the bullseye carving on Ross's $135 grade gun, it was even more interesting because I think it expands the knowledge base about these early guns. We called Austin from Omaha, and he believes that during those early years, features as grade identifiers were somewhat unsettled, so you might see things that are odd.
Anyway, I think it is attractive, and is another example of the craftsmanship that Parker put into its guns.
On another matter, and I'm sure I'll say something controversial here, we were talking about value. A person can find lots of V grade 12's for around $2000, some under some over, some need a little TLC, some pretty nice as is. When you start looking at comparable quality in guns being made today, even some from well regarded makers, you have to move into retail prices of upwards of $ 10,000. When you start looking at quality of gun, even these lower grade Parkers are bargains and undervalued. Naturally everyone wants to pay less, but I'm trying to put some perspective on it.
I suspect we haven't seen the last of Parkers being made, but to make a new one today, say a G or D grade 20ga, if you go by Galazan 21 or Fox prices, you are going to be paying $17,000 or more.
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