Thank you to all who posted and especially to those who posted pictures on this thread. I never tire of looking at Damascus, especially Parkers.
I wish that I had joined this association earlier, bought the basic books such as the Parker Story 17 years ago and followed the information on this web site that has opened my eyes to collecting these beautiful shotguns-that took such craftsmanship that Parker Bros., no slouch in iron and steel, bought them from Europeans. Yeah, "Would have, should have, could have..."
I also, as a novice, have concluded that older Damascus barrels are a good argument, in this age of most always leaving it original, for sending a gun in to one of our members who are master's at the art of bringing these patterns out. I feel that this art should be visible, unless you have some historic piece.
I keep waiting for that nice grade 16 or 20 to pop up on the market with a low "do not shoot this ready to explode weapon" price, but I fear that that train has left the station a few years back.
Oh well, at least I woke up in time to snag a few nice examples.
Best regards,
Patrick Butler
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