G grade letter

[Bill Murphy]

Ray's observation is the same as mine. I have an order in my collection from Iver Johnson that includes a wide range of serial numbers and prices only a fraction of normal wholesale. My opinion is that the guns were refurbished trade ins or dealer returns.

[Pa SxS]

Bill, as you know, Parker did take in many trades and returns and they are listed as such in the order books when traded in or returned. In the case of this gun, there is no listing until 1901 when the gun was sold and there are no missing order books from 1891 to 1901 except for order book #39. The only possibility for an earlier sale and subsequent return would be in missing #39 order book.

Do you agree? I'm still learning.

[Bill Murphy]

Chuck, yes, I agree that the gun is probably listed in the missing book as an original sale. This is especially true if the Spencer order showed an unusually low price. As I recall, the guns in the Iver Johnson order I mentioned are mostly $19.00.