Most Rare Parker Trunk Case?

Kensal Rise · 09-29-2011, 07:13 PM

I wonder if anyone within the world's greatest congress of Parker experts has ever seen an original Parker trunk hardcase like the one I've just acquired? And if so, is it correct and original? It seems so to me.

I've posted photos in the Album Section, if you'd be so kind as to look.

Frankly, I have NEVER seen a Parker case like this -- not even in the Parker Story. And I've had my eyes open and looking for a long time. The facts surrounding it are these:

1) It is covered in thin black (coated) leather.
2) The interior is lined with dark blue velvet type material that appears original
3) The hold-down straps for the butt section and barrel (two) are leather with snaps
4) The barrel compartment is long enough to accommodate 32-inch barrels
5) The small Parker "trade label" inside the lid seems to be fine linen with the art deco Parker name and 30 Cherry St., Meriden, Conn. address, and is in very good condition.
6) The case shows some corner wear and some modest cracking on the leather lid hinge but is otherwise in very good condition.
7) The two latches show appropriate age patina and work fine.
8) The handle is a replacement, but done very well to match. Handle escutcheons are original.

This case must have been supplied with a very high grade of Parker Gun. I'd guess CH or above.

Not that I'm interested in selling it, but I wonder what such a case might be worth?

Best, Kensal

Bruce Day · 09-29-2011, 08:13 PM

Well its an interesting case, a Utica from the 20's or 30's with an art deco made up Parker trade label, don't you think? Larry Baer has a picture of a similar label in a case in his book.

The verifiable Parker cases are found in the 1893 catalog, pgs 31-33. They would be over 100 years old now.

Best,
Bruce Day, novice Parker apprentice fourth class

todd allen · 09-29-2011, 08:29 PM

I have a 20 ga DHE 2 BBL set in an original case, with a factory letter confirming the order.

Dean Romig · 09-29-2011, 08:32 PM

It is difficult to ascertain the origin of these "Parker" cases (so called) as Parker Bros didn't make their own cases but supplied and sold a number of cases made by various manufacturers. If you had some documentation - a serial number which would allow research in the Parker order and stock books which might (but most probably would not) reference the case to be supplied with the gun. We've seen quite a few cases, many of them very nice and even of the correct period but with labels added at a later date in order to capitalize on the Parker name.

Yours is a nice case, but... who can say if it is original? It would give us all hope if it could be verified.

Bruce Day · 09-29-2011, 08:43 PM

We came upon an original shell top gun case with a Parker inside, as shown as No. 320 in the 1893 Parker catalog. That case was not marked "Parker" , nor have any of the walnut cases I have seen. Dean, we showed photos of the original #320 case here and the replica case made using the same hardware. The original case leather was falling apart. They were not very well made. You saw the replica case at the annual meeting.

Dean Romig · 09-29-2011, 08:55 PM

Yes I did, and a fine job it was. As nice as the case was if I had to choose between the case and the Parker it housed... I might opt for the Parker.

Bill Murphy · 09-29-2011, 08:56 PM

The pictured case is an original factory prewar Browning A-5 case, for a two barrel set, probably with the divider between the two barrels removed so that a double barrel shotgun barrel set will fit. Don't feel too bad, the Browning case is worth a bunch. Want to sell it? I would be interested in purchasing it. Email me at wilmrph@verizon.net

Autumn Daze · 09-29-2011, 09:28 PM

Thanks Bill, I thought that might have been a Browning case but wasn't sure enough to comment on it......Hmmm

Kensal Rise · 09-29-2011, 09:28 PM

Friends:
Thanks for your insights. They are much appreciated. I have no idea of what gun may have been originally mated and sold with the case. I bought it from a fellow who got it as a separate case and kept a 32-inch CH gun in it for decades.

It may be a Browning case, but I see no evidence of any structural alterations from two-barrel configuration. What's more, the "ghost impressions" of the previous guns kept in it clearly indicate a double-barrel gun. Nonetheless, I will research Browning cases of the '20s and 30s.

The odd part of this case is that the label just reeks of "authentic." If you know what I mean.

If anyone else has further input, I'd be most grateful to hear. But sorry Bill, right now I have a GH Parker that is destined for this case.

Best. Kensal

Bill Murphy · 09-30-2011, 07:52 AM

I don't know what to recommend to you for a research vehicle, but Vanderlinden, Eastman, and possibly Schwing would be good starting points. My research material is right here in front of me, a prewar A-5 case identical to the one you pictured, including the inserts. Can you show us a picture of your case with a Parker in it?