What passes for art on early American firearms is surprising.
Ted,
I agree...and disagree.
AGREE, in that there are definitely SOME makes which have serious variance, Parker being perhaps the widest. There are some guns which are downright cartoon quality. BUT, the early Glahn work, coupled with both Goughs, produced some absolutely beautiful guns. And if Parker can be dinged for SOME of the engraving ("flying turnips" and stick figure dogs), they must be lauded for their exemplary fit, finish and variety of offerings. Plus, Parker had the very best checkering of any American make, bar none, IMO.
Parker isn't my MOST favorite American make, but they absolutely live up to the reputation they've garnered over the years. Not the most elegantly engineered internals, but
inarguably reliable nonetheless.
Ithaca had a better stable of engravers over the years, but the guns seem to make me yawn.
LC Smith sure had some early beauties.
Lefever tops them all.
- NDG
