Edgar I believe that when these upgraded guns were created in the '40s and '50s for the executives of Remington and DuPont, they probably viewed these guns as much Parker as those produced in Meridan. By upgrading existing guns they could have a new Parker and no one cared rather it was a prewar or postwar built Parker. Between Remingtons Custom Shop, Runge, and DelGrego I assume that some beautiful Parker were acquired by their new owners at a very favorable price. Different times, different views.

Edgar, I assume you never had a receiver torch colored by Lefever Arms either.

Craig, if I may ask, which upgraded guns are you referring to?





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I know of 2 upgraded Parkers owned by decendents of Remington executives 1 being that BHE 28 the other a DHE 20. The BHE has been mentioned briefly in a DGJ article(?) and The DHE was owned by an officer of Remington Arms. I'm vague because I have promised to protect his identity. The current owner of the BHE has been very forthcoming about the culture at Remington around this time since his dad was hired post WWII and was promoted throughout his career there.

Ok thanks Craig - so execs owning upgraded Parkers represent only a tiny percentage of the upgrades. That makes sense.





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I can't answer that question about quantity but I certainly think it started in Remingtons factory and I believe part of the reason was they didn't want to be out done by the boys at Olin/ Winchester with there 21's. Upgrades seemed popular in the 70's about that time I heard someone had an Invincible built for 40K but no name was attached nor gun appeared. Finally after 47 years I'have yet to see an upgrade L.C. Smith, Fox, or Lefever or even known of 1.

Not a question really Craig. Remington also had the Model 32. It was also a fine gun and lent itself to upgrades as well.

I'm sure there are Fox upgrades and I know there are Lefever upgrades, there being virtually no remaining Lefever factory records in existence. Can't really imagine an LC Smith upgrad though....





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Dean, I have picked up 1 Mod. 32 and seen atleast one other in my lifetime. I know of no collectors and never seen one change hands. Add the previous facts plus the fact I have never seen an upgraded L.C. Smith, Fox, and Lefever and it sure looks like I've led sheltered life. Maybe so, but right now I'm tired and need my sleep so Ican eat lots of stuffing and apple pie tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving Dean, the time you devote to this forum is appreciated by this member. Thanks, Craig.

I have a Lefever 16ga Optimus that is a beautiful gun and an upgrade.

No, but that's kind of a strange question. Was there a point to it? Have I ever said anything to lead you to believe I had a receiver torch colored by anyone?

So that’s where it ended up! With Rich Anderson.

Don't know about earlier times, but in the late 60's, Remington Directors paid dealer cost for guns they ordered. Only exception that I know of is that when a person was elected to the Board, Remington would make and give a gun of the new director's choice to him.

I had DelGrego fully restore a 16 VH about 8 yrs ago. New wood (they provided),case colors and re blue barrels. The case colors on the frame hardly lasted two seasons.

Dean, on further reflection and fresh coffee, I believe the 32 I picked up was a 3200 and the 32 I saw on the table might have been a Kriegoff instead. As the cobwebs ease I now remember seeing a DE Fox 20 upgrade offered for sale in a DGJ and thanks to members I have been made aware of a fine representation of a LeFever Optimus. My sheltered life is now over and another member knows where that Optimus resides. Edgar my only point to you and this forum was that the process existed and while you found the cyanide case used by DelGrego garish I think most of our forum members would find flame coloring as offensive. I think the charge for this service was $45 in the early "70s.

At one time I had an upgraded BHE 28. I sold it and bought a wonderful upgraded AAHE 28 two barrel set. Upgrades or not both the Parker and Lefever are wonderful guns.

Rich, I'm jealous.. You own some absolutely beautiful shotguns.

Thank you Kirk

Here's what I have....
 

Regarding the AAHE 20 in this thread. Attached is what documentation that I have been able to put together to support this gun. The DelGrego note of 1997 and then Exhibit 6, the letter to Larry about the "restoration". I know that these are legitimate documents and they all involve the gentleman from who I acquired this AAHE. Thanks