Let's celebrate them Repros!

[Reproman]

Originally Posted by Rex Northen

None of the barrels have a gold band, but all barrel engraving (barrel ends and wedges) are identical and all three sets of barrels are serial numbered to the gun, have the machining and are marked "A1 Special Custom Shop, NJ"

That last part explains it, so it is not likely to be one of the sets sold in the white. It is one of the Custom Engraved guns. Very, very, nice!

[Duckman]

Originally Posted by Rex Northen

None of the barrels have a gold band, but all barrel engraving (barrel ends and wedges) are identical and all three sets of barrels are serial numbered to the gun, have the machining and are marked "A1 Special Custom Shop, NJ"

Very nice indeed!

[Wild Skies]

Rex, I happened to be visiting this thread again and couldn't help but notice how stunningly beautiful the case colors are on your gun, they compliment the A-1 features perfectly. I recall Ken Hurst mentioning on many occasions of utilizing John Gillette's Classic Guns, Inc. services for casecoloring, so I'm assuming that's who applied them.

[Walt Kowalski]

Originally Posted by Greg Baehman

Rex, I happened to be visiting this thread again and couldn't help but notice how stunningly beautiful the case colors are on your gun, they compliment the A-1 features perfectly. I recall Ken Hurst mentioning on many occasions of utilizing John Gillette's Classic Guns, Inc. services for casecoloring, so I'm assuming that's who applied them.

My God...that's a "purdy" Parker...

[Dean Romig]

So, both Ken Hurst and Geoffroy Gournet worked in the A-1 Special Custom Shop... who else worked in that shop as a custom engraver?

(I was not aware that Ken engraved original finished A-1 Specials)

[Bill Murphy]

I don't believe he did. He took on a couple of Tony's "white guns" a few years ago for private customers. I have no explanation for the markings. Maybe Ken has the story.

[Reproman]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

I don't believe he did. He took on a couple of Tony's "white guns" a few years ago for private customers. I have no explanation for the markings. Maybe Ken has the story.

Bill,

I'm sure you are correct about Ken. I read back through some literature and found a likely explanation.

Based on the Shot Show Newsletter (under New Arrivals), it appears that all the Custom Engraved guns were based on in-the-white, unengraved guns received from Japan. That would explain the markings.

Click to enlarge.

[Rex Northen]

Originally Posted by Marvin Kells

Bill,

I'm sure you are correct about Ken. I read back through some literature and found a likely explanation.

Based on the Shot Show Newsletter (under New Arrivals), it appears that all the Custom Engraved guns were based on in-the-white, unengraved guns received from Japan. That would explain the markings.

That's good information, thanks for sharing. I feel like there has to be an interesting story on this gun, but so far I haven't been able to get any real information. It is the only 16/20/20 A1 set that I've seen, wonder if there are any more?

[Wild Skies]

Here's my grouse and woodcock gun. 5 1/2 lbs. of pure joy!

[Richard Skeuse]

Only Geoffory worked for us