Parker small bore classification

[Tom Flanigan]

If the Purdey does not have EVB engraved on the stock shield, it is not Elliot Vance Bell's gun. I am disappointed. I thought that you might have his gun and was excited about knowing where that Purdey was. Elliot Bell was always very good to me and I used to drool over the Purdey. I have shot it many times but never took it hunting. I was too afraid to. He was truly a great man. He was, in a way, partially responsible for Dewey losing the 1948 election to Truman. Everyone thought he would win easily including Dewey. Elliot told him to keep a relatively low profile and not touch on any controversial topics. It was his to lose and a slip of the tongue could spell trouble. Candidates can't do that today. In the meantime, Truman was everywhere doing his whistle stop tours while Dewey was kissing babies. Elliot was Dewey's campaign manager for his two successful runs for governor of New York. But he sure was wrong on the presidential election. Elliot never quite over Dewey not getting elected. Neither did my grandfather. They lamented it often even in their later years.

Dewey was so sure of election, that he put in a private air strip on the estate. Pawling was going to be his summer White House. It had two hangers and he built a log cabin with a dance floor behind the hangers. The airstrip is still maintained and is where I learned to fly when I was fourteen years old. The cabin burned down so we put a double wide trailer in complete with bar and bunk beds to sleep it off if someone got too lit to drive. I still use the property as if I owned it, hunting and flying from that airstrip.


I don't use the shells. I am saving them to pass down. They are great looking paper shells with roll crimp. I broke open one box to see what they look like. Very cool looking shells.