Why NOT the taboo against refinishing Parker shotguns?

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Mike Franzen

Refinished vs Original is mainly a Collector issue. I would say you are correct that Parker’s will still bring a good price if refinished properly. I haven’t done the research but I believe there are more shooters of these great guns than there are strict collectors. Also, casual collectors (like me) buy them for various reasons regardless of their originality status. This is what makes them special and sets them apart from other shotgun makers.

...and to the highlighted text I would add, "And that is extremely hard to execute or find."





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[Joe Graziano]

I’m with you on refinishing. I don’t see the value I’m not giving a gun proper maintenance. I’d much rather buy a shotgun that’s been refinished and reblacked when needed.

[Bill Murphy]

I also know where John Davis is going. Although a Parker is a better choice than a Mossburg 500 for many uses, there are thousands of other guns that are as good or better than a Parker for many uses. I choose to use a Parker for all uses, but I realize that other guns are almost as good. I guess we aren't addressing the OP's question, but it's still fun to discuss collector value of refinished guns and how much of the value is in utility and how much is in collector interest. Mister Davis and I put almost equal value in both categories. I am a collector, but shoot every discipline with my Parkers, rarely use any other gun. However, some Parker guys rarely shoot their guns and all value is in collector interest.

[BRDHNTR]

I have no issue with refinishing guns. I prefer wearing clean clothes too and cleaning up every day.

[Kevin McCormack]

Originally Posted by Dave Noreen

There certainly is a big premium for high original condition Parker Bros. guns. To my eyes a lot of dealers are trying to cash in on this by advertising as "all original" guns that have been redone.

Begets one of my all-time favorite auction catalog descriptions, "original as redone"...or most recent, "probably professionally if not factory redone"....

[Bruce P Bruner]

Originally Posted by allen newell

I have no issue with refinishing guns. I prefer wearing clean clothes too and cleaning up every day.

Some guns deserve a little help. Adding a bit of oil to a dry, dull, oil starved stock seems prudent to me.

[Henry Verri]

I had Brad Bachelder restore my 10 gauge 1885 Parker Hammer Gun back in 2014.
What a beautiful job he did...A true artisan.
He told me that " The Gun Is Now a Museum Quality Work Of Art "
HV

[Big D]

I took a friend and his spectacular AH Grade 10 gauge to Brad's to examine (no repairs needed). Took it out of the case, and Brad's eyes bugged out. He called his staff out to look at the gun, saying "Boys, this is the way they built them". Quite a gun

[Craig Budgeon]

At some point ugly needs to be dealt with and that responsibility is the owners alone.