Leopold Parker

[Jeff M Nania]

I am working with the Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo Wisconsin. Among other things I was the biographer of Aldo Leopold's Fox Shotgun. One of our members brought us a 1924 Parker VH 12 gauge. The gun is mechanically fine, nice bores, tight action and works as it should. The barrels were reblued about 40 years ago. There is some case color left. It is essentially a well cared for, well used shotgun. The owner's father was Leopold's hunting partner. The owner has provided us with an entire detailed history of the shotgun.
His request is that we sell the gun and use the money towards our education program. I know how much the provenance impacted the value of his Fox. The question is: Does a gun that belonged to a hunting buddy of Leopold's have any value over the value of the gun itself?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Jeff

[charlie cleveland]

I would not think it would add any value....charlie

[Jeff M Nania]

Thank you Charlie

[George Davis]

I believe it does potentially add value if the following can be documented:
1. the purchaser funds goes directly in an account/organization allowing for a tax deduction
2. does all the guns documentation go with the firearm (originals not copies)

Just my thoughts

[Jeff M Nania]

George


One hundred percent of the money goes directly to the foundation.
Fair market value paid for goods and services received from the foundation are not tax deductible. Any amount received over the established value of goods or services would be tax deductible.

Original documentation would be included.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Bill Murphy]

All would depend on whether the person is mentioned prominently in Leopold's writings and whether the gun can be identified with that person. Original ownership of Parker shotguns in 1924 is hard to pin down with factory records.

[Jeff M Nania]

Bill,

That is a good thought. We have most all of Leopold's journals available. The two hunted together quite a bit at what was called the Riley Game Cooperative in southwestern Dane County Wisconsin. It is also likely that they hunted together along the Wisconsin River area by the "shack".

Leopold's journals are great to read, he was a hunter, handloader, dog lover and double gun man through and through. Not so different from a few people I have had the pleasure of knowing.

Thanks for getting back to me.

Jeff