Gordon MacQuarrie

[Steve Kleist]

I have an “Old Side by Side” question.
Most sportsmen have heard of Gordon MacQuarrie (1900-1956). He was the premiere outdoor writer in the first half of the 20th century. All of us have read “The Stories of the Old Duck Hunters.” I am gathering information gleaned from his stories to assemble a project called the “Guns of MacQuarrie” likely presented at the Gordon MacQuarrie Pilgrimage held each late August in Barnes, Wisconsin near his boyhood home. The Pilgrimage is a three-day event. Topics include presentations, demonstrations, displays, field trips, and a Pine Knot Campfire. Most attendees are old geezers like us.
We don’t have much accurate information on the MacQuarrie guns so much is up for speculation, but with a few clues. One of his first duck hunt stories in 1927 titled Ducks, You Bat You. MacQuarrie was given a sawed-off double with wire wrapped around the forearm and barrels.
Might any of our Parker members have any experience with vintage (old already in 1927) side by sides with chronic loose or failing forearm problems? While this will not clearly identify the gun, it might help suggest likely makers and add to the MacQuarrie mystique.
Thank you.
Steve Kleist, Ely, MN

[mikeschneider]

Steve, do you know the name Keith Crowley? If you
Google his name, perhaps you can find an email
address. He’s a professional photographer, has a cabin in Barnes, and wrote a biography of MacQuarrie about 20 years ago…he may have info. I know him but haven’t spoken for quite a few years…good guy, very enthralled with Gordon MacQuarrie…good luck in your endeavor!

[mobirdhunter]

According to Keith, Mac shot a Nitro Special 12. Fred’s 32inch double was a Parker very likely and used by his son as mentioned in another MacQuarrie story. I’ve been trying to track that Parker down. No luck so far.