December 24, 1898, Denton Journal, Denton, Maryland, “Sheriff Rice’s fine Parker gun burst while he was shooting partridges on Wednesday last. The powder used was the smokeless kind and thought to be very strong. A large piece of the left barrel was blown off, and Mr. Rice was badly burned about the face.” [Author’s Note: Another blown barrel. These articles serve to illustrate that the transition to smokeless powder could be a hazardous one.]
If the good sheriff was hunting in Denton, MD the partridges had to be quail. I'm sure there were plenty of wild birds back then.
BTW- Parkers in Pulp is the first thing I read. Keep up the great job John.
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Wag more- Bark less.
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