Hello, new nember here. I was just reading in the reproduction forum about a gun that was sold a few years back and how the seller wishes he had it back now.
Ohh do I know that feeling! I've collected doubles for 35 years now and have a few, but times have not always been good so some had to be sacrificed.
The one I regret selling most was a DelGrego restored BHE 12 ga with 32" barrels that was just immaculate. It was an early gun made before Parker had beavertails. This one had a correct beaver tail and the correct beavertail forearm lug on the barrel.
I also had to let go of the only CHE I've ever owned at the same time. It had been recolored with a torch but was still a great gun.
In previous years I had to part with some others that just broke my heart to sell. Among them was a T latch serial number 70 that is known to some on this board. I had acquired it from a Shotgun News ad by one of the (still) prominent classic gun dealers. I traded a Winchester model 42 and some cash for it. That was a really crudely designed gun, but it was an evolutionary step in the right direction for Parker. Then there was an early back action hammer gun with a three digit serial number, 139 I believe. That gun had several stock repairs but they were done well and it was a quite usable gun. I'll list some of the others and what particulars I can remember about them.
DHE 12 ga Trap gun with raised ventilated rib and high comb cheek piece.
VH 12 ga Try Gun with the original tools and measuring pieces in original leather pouch.
VH 12 ga with 32 inch barrels and the blondest original wood I've ever seen on a Parker.
GHE 16 ga that was a dove slaying wonder. When the man that sold it to me saw how good I hit with it he wouldn't leave me alone until I finally sold it back to him a few years later.
DH 12 ga very early damascus that I had sleeved. Wish I had not sleeved it, I know better now. That gun had the most beautiful dogs on it. I couldn't count how many birds flew right over my head while I was sitting and admiring the way the light refracted off the fine shading details in the dogs torsos. (OK, this happens to me with some of my other guns as well, I just can't help it!)
Parker SBT SC 12 ga 32in.
Trojan 12 ga first year production.
Parker Reproduction BHE 20 ga, match to my 12 ga. (should have sold the 12 instead!) I had ordered the full 4 guage set. Never got my 28 or 410.
Parker Reproduction DHE 28 ga 2 bbl set. 26in Q1/Q2, 28in mod/full (fore arms would shoot off in my hand, anyone else have that problem?)
Non Parker but worth mentioning.
LC Smith Specialty grade 20 ga with ejectors and beavertail.
Fox AE 20 ga (that hammered my middle finger everytime I shot it)
Ithaca NID 4e 10 ga magnum. (One of McIntoshes picks for 10 best shotguns)
Ithaca 4E 20 ga A little rough but restorable.
A couple of Darne guns. 12 and 20 ga. (R-11's)
Halifax (Darne type) 16 ga nicely engraved.
DM Lefever 12 ga boxlock (lightly engraved)
J.P. Sauer 28 ga 28", extractors
And numerous spanish, belgium, and german sxs'.
I've never sold a Parker because I wanted to, it was always due to unforseen expenses like wifes and kids and mortgages and such. But at least I still have the memories of those that got away. Bittersweet memories.
The ones that got away
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