1939 Runge

[Dean Romig]

Richard Runge emigrated to the U.S. in 1870 and was first listed in the Meriden record in 1876. He was listed in the Parker records as early as 1882.

Robert R. Runge, son of Richard started working at Parker Bros shortly after 1900 and apprenticed engraving under Frederick Anschutz. Anschutz was chief engraver from 1911 til 1930 when he died.

Robert P. "Bob" started with Remington in 1934 in the Parker Gun Works as an apprentice engraver.

Both Robert R. and Robert P. worked in the engraving of Parker guns and possibly other Remington guns after the cessation of the Parker project in 1942, when WW II began, til about 1947 or so.

[Bill Murphy]

We should refer to Kevin McCormack's article on Bob Runge to determine when he quit engraving for Remington. It was later than 1947 because he signed some 11-48 and Sportsman 48 semi automatic shotguns which were introduced in 1948. He engraved a bunch of Parker upgrades in the fifties and later which are now showing up on the market after their owners pass to the next generation.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

He engraved a bunch of Parker upgrades in the fifties and later which are now showing up on the market after their owners pass to the next generation.

But wasn't that in the days of the DelGrego upgrades? I don't think Remington was in the business of upgrading Parkers were they?

[Bill Murphy]

Yes, Dean, RPR was retired from Remington when he and Larry Senior collaborated on the great upgrades.

[C grade]

I recently had the pleasure of shooting a Runge/ DelGrego AIS upgrade. This gun started life as a VHE 28" 410 and was upgraded early on by Bob and Lawrence. Stunning gun!! My question is one one value. If an original existed it would be a US$ 200,000 + gun. What would be the value and an "almost original" upgrade?
David

[Dean Romig]

I should have made the distinction of Robert R. having worked for Remington til about 1947 or so.

Didn't mean to mislead.

[Dean Romig]

Same old answer David.... Put a price tag on it and it may never sell at the 'asking price' but put it in an auction and a few dedicated bidders who just must have it may drive the price even higher than the 'asking price'.

Short answer... "whatever the right buyer is willing to pay."

[Dean Romig]

Just one man's observation - "POR" is often a good indicator that the item for sale may be overpriced.

[Bill Murphy]

The AHE .410 has always had an advertised price, $49,000.

[C.O.B.]

If the RHO AHE 410 is 49K thats not a bad price even for an upgrade. A VHE will run 30K or more add in the cost of engraveing, new wood etc. I like my Fox (CSM) FE for way under half that money