Eric- thanks for the informative post. I only know Wes Dillon at the James D. Operation in Maine, I knew him from earlier days at Cabelas. I do NOT know Bill or Mr. Julia, and I am interpreting your comment about the "sand-pounding" to mean that you are on your own with a possible mis-represented Parker 16 DHE with Damascus barrels you recently purchased there.
If that is the case, and ONLY if those are the facts, then I might suggest that Julia's is not playing smart poker. They must know you are a very active member of the PGCA and very informed about Parkers (and other firearms as well)- and if they won't make this situation right, as indeed they should, your "rant" is very much warranted here.
A friend who specializes in probate has turned over a few good shotguns to Julia's for their "reward" or finder's fee program, and was never compensated. He told me it would cost more to bring suit in Maine, travel, documentation, fair value assessment than he would gain in the end. he now works with another major gun auction house in the Midwest, and has been fairly treated there.
Julia's is supposed to have the fabled Nash Buckingham AH Fox "Bo Whoop" up for sale sometime next month. Your experience with them vis a vis the 16 DHE would make me take pause, if I were a "player" as Jack Puglisis and the "Czar's Parker" of a few years ago.
It is also my understanding that Julia's and other such houses often get a "double dip" on a sale- 15% seller's premium and the same for the buyer- so, for example hypothetically here: a BHE 28 gauge sells for an even 100 thou- I'm the consignor- so I receive t85 thou- you are the buyer so you write Julia's a check for 115 thou-- 30%- that's a hefty "Vig"-- IMO!
