I called my brother back today and went over to where he is living to look at the collection of double guns his 86 yr old landlord has.
He took me downstairs to the basement where in the corner stood a wooden gun cabinet. Inside this gun cabinet I observed about 6 doubles. Opened the door and took out the first one which was the 12 ga Parker VH that my brother had called me about last evening. Barrels dented and rusted inside and out. Stock floating/oil soked on the frame. Fore end so dark with oil it looked like it was painted that way. Action totally gummed up, in short, a major project gun and big $$ to bring back. The only good thing about the condition of this Parker was the barells were still tight on face. The inside of the barells looked like something was growing in there. A real shame. The old gent asked me what it would cost to restore the gun and I gave him some numbers for each of the repairs etc. that would have to be undertaken - assuming it could be restored. I was too disgusted with the condition of the gun to bother to take any pictures.
The next gun was an LC Smith Hammer gun with much engraving but it was so rusted up I couldn't make out any numbers/marks at all and barely could make out the smith name.
Another hammer double was an F. Williamson, also rusted out (inside and out), missing components, broken stock, etc.
Another hammer gun was not identifiable as was another. In short this was a rust heap and they all looked as if the old gent had left them in the salt' thinking this was the best way to keep them lubricated. What a shame. These doubles were so far gone, I couldn't bring myself to even open up the camera. Not your grandfather's attic guns I can assure you.
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