A CHE with History

Pheasant Slayer · 02-11-2012, 07:43 PM

Here is a listing from Gunbroker. It has a Parker CHE with some history... For those who are interested. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=272720732

Big Friend Ten (BFT) · 02-12-2012, 05:59 AM

William,

I've looked at that CHE on Gun Broker several times during the past 6 to 12 months. I have wondered why it has not sold. That fact alone makes me cautious.

It is a 16 gauge which is good as concerned to value. It has 30 inch barrels on a 1 1/2 frame which makes it a "big" 16 gauge. Most want a small frame and light 16 gauge. I do however think that it is a neat gun!

The seller states that,
"I have a letter from the family that I received this gun from stating that Albert Bacon Fall gave this shotgun to the grandfather of this person after losing his temper at a turkey shoot blaming the shotgun on his misses"

A letter from someone stating that... I do not think that I'd pay extra for unsubstantiated provenance. What would a Parker Research Letter reveal?

This Parker, number 191708 was manufactured in 1920 which is near the time when "The investigation found Fall guilty of conspiracy and bribery, $385,000 having been paid to him" Maybe he bought the CHE with some of the bribe money?

This gun has some possible provenance that may connect it to a crooked politician.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_B._Fall

The price of $7200, regardless of provenance or not, looks reasonable. Is has been for sale for some time so it is not a "steal". I am not a 16 gauge collector so if I were interested I would ask COB, Opening Day, Dean, Dave M. and other Parker smallbore collectors to advise me. Also, Bruce D. is a well known C Grade PGCA member whose advice I would welcome.

Are there any 16 Gauge Society members out there?

Mark

B. Dudley · 02-12-2012, 08:03 AM

Yeah, I too have noticed that CHE listed over and over. Nice gun. Is that buttstock signed or something?

Provenance is an interesting thing as to if it can really increase value or not. If anything, it will varify conditions, or just be interesting to have.

A friend of mine knows a guy who has a Browning Auto 5 that was owned and confiscated from John Dillenger. He has the police report listing the serial number as being recovered.

Autumn Daze · 02-12-2012, 08:37 AM

Looks to be a pretty nice gun. I wonder if the aftermarket beavertail is scaring off prospective buyers? Just sayin....

But 30" 16 gauge guns are sweet...An interesting gun on a 1 1/2 frame

Dean Romig · 02-12-2012, 09:15 AM

Mark, a PM will be sent shortly.

Sent at 9:28 a.m.

Dean Romig · 02-12-2012, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

Is that buttstock signed or something?

Probably just carried against buttons or snaps of a hunting jacket or vest A la Burt Spiller's 20 ga. VHE.

edgarspencer · 02-12-2012, 09:56 AM

I have a gun that belonged to an honest politician. I think that is more rare today, but, unfortunately, it's not a CHE

Pheasant Slayer · 02-12-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

Yeah, I too have noticed that CHE listed over and over. Nice gun. Is that buttstock signed or something?

Provenance is an interesting thing as to if it can really increase value or not. If anything, it will varify conditions, or just be interesting to have.

A friend of mine knows a guy who has a Browning Auto 5 that was owned and confiscated from John Dillenger. He has the police report listing the serial number as being recovered.

I had thought the same thing. Hard to tell with the light reflecting off the finish.

Brush Buster · 02-12-2012, 12:13 PM

Just my opinion ,but like the rest ,I have watched this gun for months ! When it was listed initially ,the wrist of the stock appeared quite large in comparison with most Parker guns and I think that was noticed by most ,and the forend as was mentioned . Also if I am not mistaking ,I think it was started in the $13,000.00 Dollar range ??? Now it has just been on so long ,even though he is probably getting into the selling price range now it seems everyone has lost interest ,the seller should probably try a different venue ,if he still hopes to get the value from his gun Again just My Opinion ,and as they say .....everyone has one ! Russ

Ruff Hunter · 02-17-2012, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

I have a gun that belonged to an honest politician. I think that is more rare today, but, unfortunately, it's not a CHE

Edgar....

You're going to need a mountain of documentation to support THAT claim of provenance!