Rock Island Auction and Parker prices

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Kevin McCormack

What about the stunning 32" BHE 20 gauge all-scroll-engraved that was presented for sale at the Southern SxS for $38K? (Long walk back to the car). Et tu, 'Glitterati'?

May we presume this is a reference to the "Hearts Parker" or possibly its present custodian?

[Dean Romig]

A 32" 20 ga. BHE...?... Be still my heart! Was it a straight grip too?

[Jared V.]

Originally Posted by Jim DiSpagno

I am a bit surprised there was no comment on the lower than usual prices on the Parkers at auction this weekend. A titanic steel barreled D grade straight gripped gun circa 1901 for $1,900.00 is unheard of as is a CHE 16 32"bbl. gun in real nice shape for $4,250.00 Whats going on here? Is it the economy or lack of or waning interest in our passion? A first generation Nazi paratroopers helmet with little finish for $11K and an L.C. Smith Monogram grade for $6K. Somethings wrong. Your thoughts please. Thanks, Jim D.

I would truly liked to have personally examined the Parkers from RIA that by just looking at the hammer prices would seem to indicate a soft market. Someone already mentioned that the CHE 16 32" had many issues, including a drilled top rib. Makes me think that there were probably issues with the others especially the ones that seem to have been sold at an aparent bargain. I know many of us as collectors have seen our share of recased, reblued, rewooded, straight grip converted Parkers offered as original guns to sink a small ship. I think you must be able to assess the originality and overall condition before you can comment on the hammer prices as being too low or too high.

[George Lander]

Bill had the "Gold Hearts" Parker at the Southern. It is gorgeous to say the least.

Best Regards, George

[Dean Romig]

I saw her at The Southern the first time Bill exposed her to the public...before she had been cleaned up.

[Opening Day]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

I saw her at The Southern the first time Bill exposed her to the public...before she had been cleaned up.

She looks alot better now....

[Bill Murphy]

That old beater isn't too much "cleaned up". The buttplate went through a complete restoration and the barrel finish was restored on both sets, but that was the extent of the "restoration". The wood, the gold, and the bores are untouched. She will still hunt or kill box birds in the rain.

[George Lander]

Bill: It was a pleasure to finally meet you at the Southern after all these years.

Best Regards, George

[Kevin McCormack]

The "Gold Hearts" Parker is a bizarre and frightening gun. As the PGCA letter shows, it is a "Gyro Gearloose" modification which completely destroyed the original cachet of the original configuration. When it first surfaced on Doug Turnbull's junk table at the Millbrook Vintagers years ago, as Bill began negotiations for sale, I had to leave the tent. Much to his credit, however, the 'dingus' has been rescued from the fate of being parted-out, turned into a lamp, or donated to a Ripley's Believe It or Not museum. Now we have proof through the Order Books that there were in fact real orders for "Parkers Gone Wild."

[Kevin McCormack]

No, Dean; the stunning 32" BHE 20 had nothing to do with the "Gold Hearts" gun. It was presented for sale by the greedy gap-toothed boy who blew in while most of us were packing up to leave late Sunday morning. It disappeared as quick as it surfaced.