EDM, [2] I'll never buy this gun, only interested in learning what I can. [3] Yes I do have 5 Ithaca field grade guns that are fun to shoot and never paid over $400. [4 a] I have considered going more for quality than quantity, [4 b] but don't really care if orig. or redone as long as the gun looks and works well. I shoot and hunt with all of my guns or I don't want them. The Parker does look nice and thats why I was interested in learning more about the Parker. [5] After buying the Ithaca book by Snyder I really like the looks of some of the higher grade Ithaca's. Yes, I can afford it but don't plan on spending more for any gun than I think it is worth to me, just as I would not want to spend more on a car or bird dog than I thought was resonable. [1]Where would you suggest one go for better advice?
As I suspected, Mr. Murphy was on a fishing trip and we pundits have been snagged by our willingness to take the bait.
[1] As to better advice about a specific Parker: parkergun.org
[2] Probably just as well. If you are going to deal with a dealer, find one who has at least 20 Parkers to compare, one against the other.
[3] Owning 5 SxS's well-bought is a good start: In the pecking order of fine and valuable doubles, (a) Parker--(b) Fox--(c) L C Smith--(d) Lefever--(e) Ithaca (or Ithaca--Lefever reversed). The market has priced these guns in the order of valuation to collectors, most of whom shoot.
[4 a-b] Larry Baer wrote in the 1970s that he'd rather have one good, original Parker than ten that were not so good (ie. not original). Originality means closer to new; a re-done gun that looks good is not original and, thus, not "quality" in the context that one usually considers as value-added when speaking about antique collectible firearms (or furniture): the big bugaboo on Antiques Roadshow is "...well, this antique dresser in original finish should be insured for $300,000 to $400,000...but in its refinished condition I'd say it might bring $750 in a thrift shop...sorry."
Point being: A refinished antique/collectible arm is no longer collectible and should not be compared to a real/original-condition gun. $3,500 would buy a new RBL from Tony Galazan, or any of a number of good imports (new) or a real good Parker Reproduction ca. 1980s. Thus for the money you would not need be concerned with chamber lengths, barrel thickness, or other faults hidden under a glossy refinish.
[5] Snyder's book is essential reading for someone with 5 Ithacas. My book,
Parker Guns: Shooting Flying (Collector Books 2008), is essential reading for someone into Parkers and the
contemporary guns of all the other makers, including the Wm. Baker/Leroy Smith
Ithacas (there is a chapter on Ithacas and a Sousa Grade is pictured along with others). Notice that I say "
contemporary guns of all other makers": The Winchester 21 didn't get started until the Parker was almost out of production. I'll bet that $3,500 would buy a better sort of latter-day 21. Anyway, my latest book is all over the internet: Amazon, eBay, et al., and the trade edition should soon be going to second printing. I still have a few of the Signed 500 Ltd. Ed. if anyone is interested in such things. EDM
