I appreciate everyone's comments and inputs. I will leave the restitution question to private discussions between the parties. The point about removing the name is taken. What I regret most is doing anything at all. It was a perfectly functioning shotgun and in attempt to restore it's beauty, the shotgun may have been destroyed by unbelievably poor workmanship. And yes, that's a blued top lever! Didn't see that one coming. A proper evaluation will soon determine whether the gun can be repaired. When I dropped off the VH for restoration, I could not have imagined the hideous mess of non-functioning, butchered parts that would be returned to me, minus any parts lost along the way, such as the front bead. Brian, I hope you are correct in that annealing, hardening and fitting could possibly put it back together again. If that is the case, I will be a happy man. Today, I am just angry. However, I will hold my fire until I know more and give Mr. Roberts and I the opportunity to work together to resolve this matter. I will update the post as I have more information. Until then, hug those Parkers tight
