Why did Parker call the fancy hammer guns DOLLAR grade

[SXS OHIO]

There is always a reason.....SXS ohio

[Bindlestiff]

Parker didn't call their guns "Dollar Grade", that designation was made by the authors of "The Parker Story". Although Parker made different grades of guns, it didn't have a designation for them until after 1875. When "The Parker Story" was being compiled, they didn't have a grade name from Parker to describe these early guns, so they used the descriptions in the Parker sales price list and the cost to group them.

But, Parker was known to give deep discounts on their guns to special buyers and it is for that reason that looking at the order book entries and the price charged that that can't always be counted on to ID these early guns accurately. That's why sometimes you see an exchange of opinions on what grade an early "Dollar Grade" is.

[Dean Romig]

As an example of Parker's generous discounts, there were two grade 6 hammer guns shipped to a dealer in Boston along with twenty or thirty other hammer guns of various grades all on the same order.... the price charged for each and every gun in the order was $50.

[Pa SxS]

The earliest Parker Price list that I have that has a grade designation is 1882. This price list uses the term "Quality" along with the letter designation for grade. The price list from 1878 does not list a grade, only a description of each gun along with the price of the gun. Examples below.

"Finest Damascus Steel Barrels, Finest English Walnut Stock, Gold Mounted, Finest Checking and Engraving, combined with finest workmanship and finish throughout, Skeleton Buytt Plate and Patent Fore-ned Lock, Straight or Pistol Grip: No. 10 or 12 Gauge. $300.00." This was the most expensive Parker gun at that time, It would be comparable to a Grade A.

"Plain Twist Barrels, no Engraving or Checking. Pistol Grip; No 12 Gauge. $55.00." "Ditto with Straight Grip, $50.00." This was the lowest grade comparable to a Grade 0.

The price listed in the Order Book for these early guns is what determines the grade. What else could they be called other than Dollar Grade guns?