Griffin & Howe Records
 

For information - Chuck Bishop advised me that there are no Parker records for my gun, but that Griffin & Howe has them; many thanks, Chuck. At G&H their archivist/researcher has retired, and they say the position may be refilled and the service available again in two months or so - I hope so.

I have one gun that also has G & H records, but not in the PGCA records. Bob Beach would send you a book of info. It is too bad he has retired.

Bob Beach was the best ,he did a H&H for me ,best job on the gun and owner. Hope they get someone like him.

A few months ago I sent an email to G&H regarding the history on a Parker 20. Bob actually responded saying he was retired etc. But he did provide me some general information on the gun. So I suppose although retired he still had access at the time to some records. He didn't send a letter or anything like that, just responded with a nice email giving me info. on the gun and telling me that he was retired.

I agree Bob Beach has done a wonderful job over the years providing a fine package on each gun he did for me. I have a Francotte 28 gauge 30 E that I can’t wait to get the records on.

Bob did a few research packages for me over the years and I was amazed at how thorough he was in his diligence to uncover everything he could about not only the gun but the lives and activities of the people who purchased a gun from A&F, VL&D and G&H.

Bob has truly been an asset to the collecting community!





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Bob and I had several phone conversations when he was researching my Super Fox which was handled by VL&D, it is an early example - it went out to an individual for part of the waterfowl season and then was sent to Winchester.

we didn't complete the story - but he gave me enough info to keep digging. Luckily, a little later, I got to meet him in person and thank him for his efforts

This could be an opportunity for someone who is retired and looking for something to do. Contact Griffin & Howe and volunteer your services. Their records are digitized like ours are so you may be able to work at home. Can't hurt to ask.

I’ll bet it’s a paying job too :corn:





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Hmm?? Let me find that phone number :rolleyes:

I offered to work with Bob a couple or three days a week, at the early stages of his tenure, but he did not require my services. No one will be able to take his place. What a nice guy. He was a great help with my John Phillip Sousa research.

Does anyone know if Griffin & Howe has resumed issuing research letters for Parker guns?
Thank you!
Bob Jurewicz

I thought they already had someone in place when Bob retired...?





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Approximately 8 months ago I spoke with Paul at GH and he informed me they did not have anyone to take Bob's place at that time but they were searching. He asked me to check in periodically and interestingly enough I just sent them an email Friday to see if they had found anyone but I have not heard back as of yet.

My offer to Bob Beach still stands, but I won't hold my breath waiting for Griffin and Howe to respond.

Randy,
Please share the results of you inquiry here.
Thank you!
Bob Jurewicz

Mr Beach, he shot right behind us at Mike’s on at least one round. He had a Piotti 20 that he shot very well.

Bob is a great guy, very generous with his information.

Okay let's put it up for a vote I say Bob has to go back to work!
Ken

You bet Bob. I intended to report back but wasn't mindful enough to add that ever important tidbit of info.

Yes and If you remember Brett he was kind enough to give me some information on a Rem era 16 that he researched while in his hotel. I was surprised when he handed me the info the morning following our discussion, but that's Bob. What a gentleman.

Gents I was able to speak to Paul at GH and can report that as of now they do not have a replacement for Bob. Sadly I have no words of encouragement at the moment as it seems to be in limbo. Maybe a little conversation at the Southern would help to generate some more interest in this area.

I hated to hear that Mr. Beach retired. I owned a gun that was sold by Griffin and Howe and Mr. Beach sent me several pages of information. The gun was one of Winchesters cheapest 22's- a model 69 but one of the rarer variations.(69 match) The 69's aren't serial numbered but there was a number stamped in the pistol grip. I found out that G&H did this when the manufacturer didn't serial number their guns. I called Mr. Beach and gave him all the information I had on the gun and in with a matter of days he called and said he had a treasure trove of information. I couldn't believe what Mr. Beach had uncovered. He had the original ledgers that listed every detail of the gun-bill of sale and even information on the gentleman who bought the gun. It turned out that the man was an olympian and he had purchased the gun in the 50's. The gun looked brand new and even had the original factory sling. I also had a Winchester model 52 sporter from the 1930's that was marked Griffin and Howe on the barrel but the records were incomplete for this gun. Anyway- I hope that G&H gets somebody that will research the records like Mr. Beach.

I get your meaning John but that would be a tall order of the greatest magnitude. Filling Bobs shoes will be near impossible but I wish them the best. His work is a pleasure to read, detailed and comprehensive.

Your right! I have factory letters on several guns from different companies including Parker-Winchester-LC Smith-Browning and G&H but only Mr. Beach went far beyond the details of the gun through his comprehensive research thats you mention. I might also add that he was the only person that sounded like he was more excited than you to find out more info about your gun. You will definately be missed Mr. Beach. I hope somebody reaches out to this gentleman and lets him know how we feel about his service to the gun community.

I recieved a wonderful package from Mr. Beach on my Mannlicher-Shoenauer carbine. It even included details of the steamship that carried it across the Atlantic. Complete with a copy of the cargo manifest that showed the exact location of the crate in the ships hold. Absolutely amazing. I was glad to be able to thank Mr. Beach in person a few years ago at Chuck Bishop's spring shoot. He is a true gentleman.

I got a book of information on my PHE 12 gauge from Bob. He is a tough act to follow