Sitting here drinking my second cup of java, I let my mind wonder back to the days when you got something for your dollar, People were proud of what they produced and sometimes lingered a little longer to make it just right! They did not worry about making it home for the six o'clock news cause they did not get off till then. That said I would have wanted in a Parker gun what I want today! AA hammer gun, 32" Whitworth Barrels in 12ga twin Ivory beads, deep relief engraving, with SSBP and Oyster shell stock. That gun would set me back 400-700 bucks then, but now that same gun, if it could be had! will cost you 200,000 plus. So I continue to dream on! Gary

I used to have a boss who'd call me into his office (downtown Boston) right at 5 pm and just to bust my stones so I'd miss the early train out of South Station and get home before 6 o'clock. He stopped this habit when I started to schedule 5 pm meetings with him very day!

I dreamed of Parkers then and still do now. Didin't have the money then and only a bit more today. But still dream.

My brother and I used to take the train down to New York every year just to visit the 7 th floor of A&F and look at all those fine guns in wonder and amazement. I remember seeing a fine gatling gun they had at the entrance to the Gun Room. Memories.

Gary, I'll keep a watch for that for you. Please look for a 16 ga C hammer for me.:)

I've seen the Whitworth barrels and the shell grip stock on hammer guns but never all of what you want. By the way, the C hammer Bernard I got from you is having a SSBP put back on with a short and hopefully undetectable stock extension and a reproduction period correct leather Parker trunk case is being made. What, about five known and this will put the gun back the way it should be.

For those who have not considered a hammer gun, I think you should take a look at them. Parker hammer guns are pretty neat.

Right you are Bruce, Hammer guns just seem to recall the days, when a dollar was a dollar and craftsmen were proud of the work they did. Good to hear you are bringing the C grade back to its original condition, with so few made it just makes sense to do it, sort of like an old Packard, they look better cleaned up, my thoughts Gary

Since we seem to be remembering days gone by, I would like to re-live 1971. I was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY and had a few bucks in my pocket. I believe I visited all of the gun shops in the vacinity as my mind was on a new O/U. There was a particular shop in Clarksville I believe, that had a 55 gal. drum in the middle of the store just stuffed with old Parkers, Fox's etc. with a sign - $50 your choice! There were free standing racks nearby that were full as well. Nobody wanted them. If only!!

Bruce, five known C hammer Bernards? We would like to see yours when the stock is done. Who is your talented woodworker? I have a couple of nice short guns that could use extensions.

Dennis Smith StockDoctor has done butt extension joinery work that is imperceptible unless you know a line is there and even then its hard to see. If you can acquire a skeleton butt plate, which are hard to find, he will put one on with checkering. Not inexpensive but for the right gun......

You have to find an original Parker SSBP or have one made ( Glenn Fewless). Galazan sells them for 0 or 00 stocks that are thinner than original but would work.

I may have a 2-frame skeleton butt plate if you need one. I'll measure it if you're interested. It's from a D and is pretty worn... I should say very worn.

Bruce, does Dennis do the grain and color blending also?

Bill, I have used Dennis for years and I believe he does.The work I have had Dennis do is nothing short of fantastic.I know that Mark Conrad had him restock a B grade(I think) and Mark was very satisfied with his work.At last years Vintagers Dennis was set up right next to the PGCA booth so we had a lot of time to visit and it was great to see him again.