doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com University of Florida Parker Collection

I was at UF in Gainesville 1986-87 and there was a collection of high grade Parkers on display at the museum on campus. I was surprised with Florida being such a liberal school but never really looked into it. I called a few years ago and was told they were sold to a "donor". Does anyone know anything about these guns or what may have happened to them? I could not get close enough for a good look but several had engraving on the ends of the barrels. Thanks, Tyler

It may be poor form to comment on one’s on post but I am surprised that no one else at least saw these guns. I am not surprised that the sale may have been hushed but surely they had to be exhibited a certain amount before they could be sold. At what grade do they normally began to engrave the dangerous end of Parker barrels?

I'm sure you have a few guys interested in your post.Most likely not a lot of Parkerphiles got to see the guns while they were there.The A1's and AA grades are usually the ones with engraving at the muzzles.altho' lower grades might have had it as a special order.I,for one,would like to know more about those guns.There was a man with the surname of "Lightner" who was a big collector of Parkers in Florida during the 60's-80's.He reprinted Parker catalogs,among others. I think he moved to California,or his son did when the father passed. He was always advertising for guns and high end "samuri swords".This is all from recollection of ads in the "Shotgun News" so I may have "recollected" in error as to particulars.

I remember meeting Mr. Lightner when he would come to Columbia from time to time. He would set up in a local hotel and advertise in the local paper for Japanese and Samurai swords. He would appraise a sword and make an offer to purchase. I did not know that he collected Parkers as well. His ancestor buit the railroad on Florida's East Coast and luxurious hotels along the route all the way to Key west where one could depart by steamer for Cuba. The rairoad was wrecked by hurricanes and replaced by the "Overseas Highway" on it's right-of-way.

Best Regards, George