Very Cool Parker History

[Jawjadawg]

I had never heard of the Frelinghuysen family, although I consider myself a student of politics. They are a bit of a political dynasty. 4 US senators in one family is really something, and a member of the family is still active in Congress today. Republicans, too. That obviously would hold interest for a few people.

I just read Vincent Astor was worth $1.5 billion dollars at his death back in 1959. The original, John Jacob Astor represented nearly 1% of the US economy in his day. By comparison, Bill Gates represents about .55%. Those Astors were some pretty shrewd slumlords.

[Kensal Rise]

Mr. Corley:
Don't let the naysayers get to you. As someone who owns more than one fine gun with outstanding provenance, I can tell you that your Parker 28 undoubtedly has added value.

How "much" is the question. And to answer that, you have to sell the gun. Which is something none of us like to do.

But think of it this way: Take that Parker and its provenance to Cowan's and put it alongside a few other Parker 28s in roughly the same condition. Then let the bidding begin.

I will wager that your gun brings a LOT more!

So, relax. And enjoy your treasure. It will return a worthy price when you are ready to sell. The rest of this is just talk...

[John Davis]

IMHO: take two guns of similar condition, grade, gauge, ect., and same price. Lay them side by side. One has well owned provenance, the other does not. The one with provenance will probably sell first. It may even command a slight premium. The problem is when folks discover that their gun was once owned by someone of past fame or fortune, (no matter who it was) they think they have found a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Historically speaking perhaps they have, but in strict monetary terms not necessarily so. If you can connect it to someone like Annie Oakley, then all bets are off. But then anything connected with Miss Oakley renders collectors insane. Selling a gun with special provenance requires a very special and limited market. 98 + % of the people on this forum or in the general market place are not going to pay significantly more for a gun just because it belonged to the one time rich and famous. I, however, really, really, really like a gun with provenance. I think the gun in question was a fabulous find with a wonderful history and would encourage Mr. Corely to do lots of research. I promise that it will add untold personal value to the gun for him.

[Double Lab]

Could not agree more John. Provenance is what makes a gun stand out from the crowd, at least as far as I'm concerned. Just holding a gun that someone of note has owned and shot brings a special connection to a time long ago that I think we all would like to relive.

[Bill Murphy]

My guns without provenance are for sale. The ones with good provenance, especially shooter provenance, not so much. Of course, my feeling about this puts me in the minority of Parker owners. So, John, how about the Fred Kimble B Grade hammer gun?

[John Davis]

Still searching.

[Jawjadawg]

Originally Posted by John Campbell

Mr. Corley:
Don't let the naysayers get to you. As someone who owns more than one fine gun with outstanding provenance, I can tell you that your Parker 28 undoubtedly has added value.

How "much" is the question. And to answer that, you have to sell the gun. Which is something none of us like to do.

But think of it this way: Take that Parker and its provenance to Cowan's and put it alongside a few other Parker 28s in roughly the same condition. Then let the bidding begin.

I will wager that your gun brings a LOT more!

So, relax. And enjoy your treasure. It will return a worthy price when you are ready to sell. The rest of this is just talk...

Some of you guys can leave a fellow shaking his head. No where has anyone said that the provenance of this gun does not add value, so to label anyone as a naysayer is a bit of an overreach. How much it adds will be unknown until it goes to a buyer. 100% of the people who have ever visited this website should be able to agree with that last sentence.

I had asked about the gun's LOP earlier. A short gun might indicate the intended shooter in the family, given that there were no children in the household. A longer LOP might suggest the gun was intended for Mr. Astor. Maybe, maybe not but if you knew for a fact the gun was the personal firearm of either the wife versus Vincent Astor, then how would that effect the provenance value? A little? A lot? Depends on the buyer, right?
That's not being a naysayer.

[mike corley]

Me to. Every day

[mike corley]

Maybe not for the Fred Kimble gun but always something interesting.

[mike corley]

That same "chase" with the same guy put me on an 1892 Deluxe Takedown 44-40 yesterday