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.
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