Bill:
I have heard that Meridan felt itself a proper competitor to Parker. Seem to remember that there was some sort of law suit by Parker against them.
I would be surprised to find that Parker employees moonlighted at Meriden.
True that most were low end trade guns but there were some that were of better quality. I think that Researcher has a great canned piece on the company/guns.
Most think that they were a step above Crescent but below most other side locks.
Whatever: They could be very good shooters, if sound. The price is usually in the low/middle hundreds for a 12 gauge.
Best,
John
Going off what the esteemed Mr. Mann had to say, most of the Meridens I have seen do seem to be lower grade guns, although I have seen a few that were nicer guns. One in particular comes to mind. I'll see if I can't find a picture or two of it.
