New member in need of assistance

[Jim DiSpagno]

I believe Keith Kearcher is out that way. GOOGLE his name and he can help you. Jim
Keith Kearcher LLC
60232 Ridgeview Drive
Bend, Oregon
1-541-717-9299
By appointment only

[edgarspencer]

Gordon, it's a shame you don't have anyone in the family that could better appreciate it's colorful history. My dad's first Parker was also a VH 16, and while I can't claim he did the exciting things you can, the gun is still one of my most prized things he passed on to me.
I have an 1873 Winchester that my dad's great aunt took with her when she crossed the country in a Conestoga wagon. She was a school teacher and missionary and went out to Nebraska to teach at a Christian Indian school. She bought the gun new, and used it regularly. I have her Mills cartridge belt and an Indian rug that was given to her daughter by Tribal members in appreciation. She rode out the great blizzard of 1888 in a sod house, and no doubt the rug kept them warm. These are the things which mean the most to caretakers who retain direct lineage to their original owners.
That's my dad's Parker across my lap in my picture. I had just bagged two grouse that morning.

[Gordon Holman]

Jim, thanks for the referral to Keith Kearcher. I easily located his website and have sent him an e-mail with the photos attached.

Edgar, thanks for making contact and your comments. I wish I had someone to pass this shotgun onto but it is best that it eventually end up in the hands of someone who really appreciates the Parker brand.

Gordon

[C grade]

Gorgon
Welcome aboard. Great family gun and even though many members would be interested in owning it,try and keep it in the family. I am on Gun Values Board and mentioned PGCA to you. If I can help please let me know
David

[Gordon Holman]

Hi David,
Thanks for your greeting. I was certainly steered to the right place when you mentioned PGCA!

Unfortunately there will be no family transfer of this asset as that requires responsibility on the receiver's part. My only option, that I can control, is to find an individual that will appreciate not only the Parker but that its owner had a rich and colorful past and that he truly respected the shotgun while he owned it. I can only be viewed as a temporary caretaker.

I am looking to connect with that right individual as soon as possible so if you can assist in that effort it would be much appreciated.

Thanks again. Gordon

[Jim DiSpagno]

One option, is to donate it to The PGCA along with the history and stories that go with it. That way it will be around for as long as this association. Just a thought. Jim

[Gordon Holman]

Hi Jim,
Yes, that is an idea that is worth consideration. We did a similar thing with contributions of assets for the upcoming St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital fund raising effort on 4/6/13. If someone from the organization would care to tell me how that is done I will give it further thought.

Thanks,
Gordon

[Mike McKinney]

Gordon,

Most of us here really hope you can find a family member who will cherish the gun and the heritage that goes with it.

The thought of a donation to PGCA is good, and would be welcomed, I suspect, I'm sure any of our BOD would be proud to discuss your wishes and also what the procedure and conditions for acceptance would be.

Also, I believe you are possibly struggling with a price range, which is sometimes difficult to assertain and would have some differences according to who is looking at the gun. David Dwyer that you originally spoke to has a good eye as well as others who will steer you correctly. Once you have established a price you can post in the for sale items. I believe it is important to you for the new caretaker to have knowledge and interest in your gun and story for the long term, not just another gun to sell or trade away. Many of us love the 16 even if its not a pristine collectors piece, my point is, when you get to that point which is at value it will sell to someone who wants to keep it for the intended use and their pleasure, which in a way will carry the legacy as you want it to be.

Hope this helps,
mike