An Interesting GHE 20

[Bruce Day]

One never knows.

Several years ago I got a call from a fellow who said that he had purchased a nice 20ga VHE and gave it to a local gunsmith who told him that he could turn it into a an A-1 Special with gold for a total cost of $10,000. The fellow said the work turned out crappy and crude and the gun was ruined. He said he had found another another gunsmith who could do a better job, so he was searching for another 20ga V to turn over to him. It would be another $10,000 or so but he was hopeful that this time it would turn out to look just like those A-1 Specials he had seen in books. I referred the fellow to the Tulsa show.

[Dean Romig]

Thanks for the clarification Bruce.

Dean

[Richard Flanders]

Ooops. I guess the s/n is too early for even a transition gun. I don't have the s/n ranges in my head unfortunately. Thanks for the clarification Bruce.

[Ray Masciarella]

Great gun one way or another. Too much is made of restoring guns anyway (in my view). Who cares if an old worn out gun is restored.
I express no opinion other then it sure looks nice.

Ray

[Bruce Day]

May I pose an interesting question?

Would, should or could Mr. Lien's unequivocal and forceful public statement of his opinon on this PGCA forum, whether correct, partially correct or not at all correct, have an effect on the value and saleability of that GHE 20 if the gun is on the market on this site, another website, gunshow, by a dealer or individual?

If so, what? What part does perception play in valuation of these guns?

Again, not my gun, I'm not a dealer, just a small collector, rarely sell a gun and I'm likely done acquiring guns. Just raising the issue.

[PML]

Originally Posted by Bruce Day

May I pose an interesting question?

Would, should or could Mr. Lien's unequivocal and forceful public statement of his opinon on this PGCA forum, whether correct, partially correct or not at all correct, have an effect on the value and saleability of that GHE 20 if the gun is on the market on this site, another website, gunshow, by a dealer or individual?

If so, what? What part does perception play in valuation of these guns?

Again, not my gun, I'm not a dealer, just a small collector, rarely sell a gun and I'm likely done acquiring guns. Just raising the issue.

Bruce,
If you are going to continue to address my statements in an earlier post then I would ask that you please restore your original post to which I made the statements. Please don't alter it, just put it back. As I said earlier;

1. I like the pictures
2. I think it is restored gun
3. I think your original post was just a for sale ad minus the "buy it now botton".

It's just my opinion , but I left it there regardless of if people agreed with it. I did not delete anything and then re-post something different. So please put the original post back.

Patrick

[Ray Masciarella]

It probably has some effect. For too long there has been a stigma surrounding restoring a gun. The reality is that a restoration may increase the value but there are those who simply think it ruins a gun. I guess sometimes "perception trumps reality".

I at one time owned a Sharps Mod 1874 .40 2 5/8 that had a proven Bill Cody connection. It was actually used on the Czar's hunt. It was worn out after many years of use. Once I proved the connection I sold it for a lot of money (at least a lot back then). It was so worn out that I couldn't shoot it (too much head space) so I sold it. No way would I have restored it. But if it was some old Parker owned by John Doe-all worn out-no finish left-why not restore it? Why should it carry a stigma so long as it is done correctly?

[Dean Romig]

Bruce, that is an interesting question and it reinforces the fact that if we ever have a "Parkers For Sale" page on our website it should be limited to the seller's post - in other words, he owns the thread and nobody else can make comments about the gun, either pro or con, thus, eliminating any opinion - expert or otherwise.

Mr. Lien's comments and expression of his opinion certainly serves to raise awareness that we must all be ever watchful of the possibility of upgrades, alterations, refinishes, reconditioned guns and that there are people out there who can sometimes deceive even the most serious collectors . . . so, let's be careful out there gentlemen.

Beyond this . . .

[TARNATION !!!]

From my perspective, the gun sells itself to a willing buyer regardless of whatever lay opinions may swirl around it. If a buyer just wants a nice looking gun - this is a nice looking gun. If a buyer wants a quick turnaround investment - and doesn't want to get burned, then "gun in hand" expert opinions may be sought and relied upon over internet chatter based on looking at a few pictures. As always - caveat emptor.
Regards,
Jack

[Bruce Day]

I'm not sure its a dead horse, Dean. I know there was a public announcement that the board of directors was going to be deliberating again the sale of guns through this website and the effect on Parker collecting. I don't have the answers, but I know this sequence plays into that.

Ray Masciarella: I believe I recall reading about the Cody/Czar Sharps quite a few years ago. It was in the same vein as the Custer Battlefield Springfield sold recently. You have the perspective of an experienced collector. May I urge you to join the PGCA, as your ID does not indicate that you are a member.