1916 Clown Catalogue

[Kevin McCormack]

Original "Clowns" are like the Maltese Falcon - chased over states and continents, always agonized as to whether they or real or not. In 55 years of chasing Parker memorabilia, I have actually only held 3 genuine ones in my hands. Twenty-plus years ago, a major paper collector from NH offered one at the Old Baltimore Show for $2000. Aghast at the price, I asked him if they really brought that kind of money. He said, "Check back with me in a half an hour and we'll see." I went back to my table 4 minutes before the show opened to the public at 9 AM. When I checked back with him 20 minutes later, it was gone. 'Send in the Clowns"!. I need to get a repro from DGJ on my subsription balance; it's the only Parker Repro catalog I don't have.

[Bill Murphy]

I wonder what DGJ did to identify their Clown reproduction as a reproduction. It is a great repro catalog.

[James L. Martin]

Here is what they did on the inside back cover.

[Bill Murphy]

I don't think we will see another one sell for $1601 or less again. I suspect $3000 will be the lowball figure for the next one.

[ahfoxman]

Good Morning,

I thought I would throw this info out to the club. Back in the late '60s I bought a clown catalog from John Hintlin(spelling?) and in the early 70's another at the last Toledo show. THEY HAD SLIGHT DIFFERENCES IN THEIR VERBIAGE, so there were/are TWO versions. I had to sell one to help fund my son's college education, but still have the other. The catalog I kept may be different from Mr. Cote's?? I think the one I sold is still with the buyer and I am going to reach out and see if he can forward me some photos of his pages, so I can post the differences here for you guys before I croak.

The leaves are turning, got supply of drugs, and getting spinal block in a few weeks so I can hobble after my Labs that point. Both are Grand Masters and were a given to me by the trainer/trailer when they were just under 8yrs old. One will be 11 next month and still goes for a few hours, the other, just 8, is a barn burner that holds birds from incredible distances. Sadly, they are the best dogs Mom and I have had in over 55yrs, and they came when I can barely do them justice, so the trainer is taking the barn burner out to the opener in S. Dakota. If someone can post or send me photos of their pages, or text me at 201-919-8283, I will dig mine out and do the same.

Enough BS for now. Tom and Carol (Mom) Kidd

[ahfoxman]

Ahhhhh, the plot thickens. Apparently, I bought this one from Bill Jaqua at Columbus show for a fortune(sic), so much for 82yr old memories. But, the first one did come from John Hintlin. I will see if I can figure out how to post photos here, as I just shot my remaining catalog. From the binder notation, apparently the one I sold was a 1915 printing, and this one has a glued 1916 price list. Which should be the one Mr. Cote reproduced. I will reach out for photos of the one I sold and keep you posted. Tom

[James L. Martin]

The repro has no price stamp on inside front cover ,no price list and nothing on back cover

[Terry Smith]

Originally Posted by Kevin McCormack

Original "Clowns" are like the Maltese Falcon - chased over states and continents, always agonized as to whether they or real or not. In 55 years of chasing Parker memorabilia, I have actually only held 3 genuine ones in my hands. Twenty-plus years ago, a major paper collector from NH offered one at the Old Baltimore Show for $2000. Aghast at the price, I asked him if they really brought that kind of money. He said, "Check back with me in a half an hour and we'll see." I went back to my table 4 minutes before the show opened to the public at 9 AM. When I checked back with him 20 minutes later, it was gone. 'Send in the Clowns"!. I need to get a repro from DGJ on my subsription balance; it's the only Parker Repro catalog I don't have.

Kevin, I bought that catalog at the Baltimore Gun Show. As I recall, I paid him $1750.
I thought that it was a lot at the time, but I have no regrets.....I have not seen another one.