Mark Ray
08-09-2018, 03:58 PM
Recently I purchased a "basket case" early (113,885) VH 20. Multiple barrel dents and dings, serious dent in forearm wood, loose hinge pin, and a stock that was literally held together with duct tape. But, uncut barrels with decent or better bores, and decent metal condition helped a little. I bought the gun right. Well, I sent the gun to Dave Wolf in Waco for "triage", Dave inspected the gun and called with his report. He gave me a price, "IF" after de oiling the wood he still felt that it was salvageable. He said that there were 9 major compound fractures in the wrist of the gun, and that it was severely oil soaked. I agreed to the price (GULP) and Dave called a few days later to report that the de oiling had gone well, and that the actual wood condition was good. He also said that if the repair could be done, it would rank the very top percentile of resurrections to his credit. Well he called the other day, and said he did it, and that he felt like a proud papa the way it turned out. I asked him at the outset not to lose the "patina" of 106 years of use, and he said he accomplished that also! Cant wait to see it, but its on its way to Briley for a re-joint and ding raising exercise!
So, on to the 'Provenance part", I bought the gun from a man named Snow, and he advertised that it had been his great grandfathers gun since new, and that his grand dad was from High Point NC where he had been an avid quail hunter. Well, when I got the gun in hand, and upon closer inspection, there was another name scratched into the bottom rib, under the forearm A.H ****, High Point North Carolina. I called Mr. Snow, the seller to see if he had any insight. He said nope, but that his 90 year old Dad was still sharp as could be, and he would see what his dad had to say . His Dad told him that Granddad had a 1920 vintage AHE 20, that he was extremely proud of, his name was W.E. Snow, and owned and operated Snow Lumber in High Point. Mr. A.H. **** (the name inscribed on the gun) was a local hunting guide, that his Grandad used frequently, and that the guide came to Mr. Snow at some point, saying he had a trip booked with some real "high fohlootin" clients from up north, and could he borrow Mr. Snow's Parker for that trip to impress the clients. The guide left the VH that is now in my possession with Mr. Snow as "security". Well the guide never returned the gun, and Mr. Snow, and two sons after him shot it even after almost breaking the stock in two at some point. I thought it was a cool story!
Got the letter today. I had not measured the stock, as frankly I was almost certain that I would be replacing it. decent dimensions at 14 1/4" LOP and 2 2/3rds" DAH, 6 pounds three ounces. the most surprising thing were the chokes. RH cylinder, LH modified. Here are a few "before" pics! will post afters when done....
So, on to the 'Provenance part", I bought the gun from a man named Snow, and he advertised that it had been his great grandfathers gun since new, and that his grand dad was from High Point NC where he had been an avid quail hunter. Well, when I got the gun in hand, and upon closer inspection, there was another name scratched into the bottom rib, under the forearm A.H ****, High Point North Carolina. I called Mr. Snow, the seller to see if he had any insight. He said nope, but that his 90 year old Dad was still sharp as could be, and he would see what his dad had to say . His Dad told him that Granddad had a 1920 vintage AHE 20, that he was extremely proud of, his name was W.E. Snow, and owned and operated Snow Lumber in High Point. Mr. A.H. **** (the name inscribed on the gun) was a local hunting guide, that his Grandad used frequently, and that the guide came to Mr. Snow at some point, saying he had a trip booked with some real "high fohlootin" clients from up north, and could he borrow Mr. Snow's Parker for that trip to impress the clients. The guide left the VH that is now in my possession with Mr. Snow as "security". Well the guide never returned the gun, and Mr. Snow, and two sons after him shot it even after almost breaking the stock in two at some point. I thought it was a cool story!
Got the letter today. I had not measured the stock, as frankly I was almost certain that I would be replacing it. decent dimensions at 14 1/4" LOP and 2 2/3rds" DAH, 6 pounds three ounces. the most surprising thing were the chokes. RH cylinder, LH modified. Here are a few "before" pics! will post afters when done....