old shotgun shell reloading equipment

[Zulu]

Can some one possibly help me with some values?  An old man gave me some old shot shell reloading tools.  Looks like they were used to load brass and nickel plated 12 gauge shells.  None of it is in great condition but there are some good names.
 
First is some type of shell loader.  It is marked "Parker Brothers".
 

 
next are shot and powder measures.  The big one measures powder in drams and the small one measures shot in oz.  They are both marked "James Dixon & Sons".


 
Another powder measure in grains.  Unmarked.

 
Powder flask.  9" tall.  same scene on both sides.  Unmarked.  I can't tell if it is real but I know it is old.


 
12 gauge loading press.  Looks like it could resize a shell.  Unmarked.

 
brass and nickel plated shells.  All marked "Parker Brothers".  One brass and 23 nickel plated 12 gauge.


 
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Zulu
 
 

[John Boy]

Zulu, wish I could help you with prices - but I can't.  But everything you have is a collectible and to the right buyer - worth money
Based on what you have, I'll venture a guess that the original owner loaded black powder reloads for his Parker Trojan, Damascus barreled shotgun ... or earlier models ... with paper hulls (used the roll crimper) and metallic hulls

Your powder flask is probably the most valuable. 
http://arms2armor.com/Flasks/flasks.htm

Here's a link for your metallic hulls ... http://soldusa.com/rainworx/detail.asp?id=13412

Might want to join this association and then post the pictures for prices ... http://www.antiquereloadingtools.com/membership

[Zulu]

John Boy,
Thanks for the info.  I'll check it out.  Any one else can chip in if they see something they might know about.
Zulu

[longcaribiner]

Such things come up on the big on-line auction weekly.  The metal hulls as marked probably have a special value.  The tops of the metal hulls were crimped over slightly to hold the over shot wad in place.  Although I also heard of some shooters using hot wax dripped over the shot to hold the shot in place.  The thing I don't see is the gizmo to seat the primers.  Often a hand held thing with a ring on one side and a small raised bump on the other to seat the primer.

 

[mak43]

The picture you have of a "press" is actually a roll crimper made for the old paper shells. I have one, and use it on newer plastic shells. There is a video on you tube of the equirptment in use.  Dont remember the exact user name, but if you search for hand loading shotshell, you should find it. Its a 3 parts series.  As far as value, you see them on auction site usually around 25 dollars.

[Pat/Rick]

You're powder flask looks authentic from the picture.The clasped hands gave it the nickname of "Peace Flask". It is early martial US and was issued with the "mississippi rifle" and other early US military arms. I have seen them from $90.00 to over $100 but I am no expert by any means and will not attempt to offer more info. Fine collectable items you have from a bygone era. James Dixon &Sons IIRC, was English makers of shooting accoutrements, flasks, measures, etc.

[Ray Newman]

I would find if there are any Parker double gun web site on the 'Net, then ask if Parker Bros. ever made their own shot shell reloading equipment or had hulls hedastamped with their name.
 
If Parker did, those items might be of interest to a Parker shotgun collector.