Las Vegas Gun Show Report

[Eldon Goddard]

I will attempt to give a summary of what was at the show, but I am sure I will forget to include something as there were so many guns there.
Saw many parker from VH to an A1 special at the james Julia booth. Some that come to mind are a VH 410 some 28 gauges and a AH 10 ga. Did not bother to ask for prices well beyond my price range. I never saw a PH in the entire show. One table had 3 or 4 field grade L.C. Smiths in nice condition for 1500 range.
The highlights of the show for me were the Lefever Collectors Association had a 8 gauge grade E? on display, stared at that one for a long time. Several 8 bore rifles one a Holland and Holland. Westley Richards had a 600 nitro express on display fully done in the maharaja style, that was worth the price of admittance in itself. I also got to examine a webley fosberry at the James Julia booth. I might bid on it in may but the 8000 estimate is a little to high for me. I also got to see a howdah pistol but the man had just bought it so he would not let me look at it.

I was looking for a model 21 Winchester, artillery luger, and a 1897 Winchester with Damascus barrels. The 21 Winchesters were priced 5500 and up. The artillery lugers 3500 and up and no sign of a Damascus 1897.

The deals I found included a jones underlever 500 nitro express for 4500, the maker was located in London but I had never heard of them. Looked to be semi well built. A mark V 460 Weatherby custom for 2100, I really should have bought this one. That is all I can remember everything else seemed over priced.

The best part of the show were the people. I enjoyed speaking with Mr. Noreen about parkers and foxes. Meeting Chuck and John and having lunch together. Talking Damascus with Drew and Mr. Culver. Also enjoyed meeting the Lefever guys and discussing lefevers and bakers.

[Eldon Goddard]

The only one that followed me home. A early 12 gauge 30'' lefever from a very nice gentlemen who understood my desire to own a field grade from every major U.S. maker. Also pictured is my collection so far.

[Pa SxS]

Yup, just flew back home from Vegas and boy are my arms tired

No doubt this is the best and largest gun show I've seen. Two huge rooms for gun vendors and smaller rooms too. One smaller room for Wells Fargo guns and accessories. I should have asked them to show me how real Wells Fargo guns are stamped. We've all seen pictures of Parkers with the Wells Fargo stamp.

Nice meeting Drew Hause, a super gentleman. Met John Gardner and Eldon Goddard for the first time. Visited Josh at the J.D. Julia booth and looked at the A-1 Special coming up for auction soon. Talked to Dave Noreen and David Lein but missed seeing Pat Lein at his booth. I did see that A-1 Special repro but didn't realize it was at Larry Baer's table. I really wanted to meet Larry because his two volume set of books really tweeked my interest in Parkers.

I didn't buy anything and managed to break even at the casino's so all in all, a fun mini vacation in Vegas.

[Wild Skies]

I went to the show seeking a gun that I've been searching for for years---an all original 12-ga. Parker D-Grade fishtail toplever hammergun. Unfortunately, I did not see one example, nor a higher grade being offered. The only one that came close was originally just what I was looking for, except it had been converted to hammerless. Someone obviously put a lot of work into its conversion, filling in the hammer axle screw holes, engraving over them, etc. Did anyone else see it?

[Pa SxS]

Josh Loewensteiner and I looked at it. I didn't think it could be done but it was. The barrels were original hammer gun barrels with the check hook. Cocking was done by use of 2 rods the ends of which could be seen at the receiver knuckle. Reciprocal cut outs were in the forend. The gun looked like a typical hammergun less the hammers and firing pins.

[Dean Romig]

.....and we're sure it wasn't an original Parker Bros. prototype?

[JLoew]

The Hammer D grade that was converted to hammerless was one of the more interesting Parkers I have seen in quite a long time. I wondered who might have done the conversion?

[Bindlestiff]

What was the deal with this "converted" Parker? Any idea on its provenance? Who has it? Was it on display or for sale? Did it have a safety? What was the stock configuration? Do you have contact information ..... we could ask for a picture or two? Details guys, this sounds very interesting!!

[Dean Romig]

I remember reading of such an animal - possibly the very same Parker - not too long ago.... certainly within the last year, I just don't remember where I read it - I think I remember a picture or two also.

[Wild Skies]

The converted Grade 3 12-ga. gun was for sale and had what appeared to 30" damascus barrels, PG and splinter forend. The asking price I believe was $3600 or was it $3995? Anyway the ask was under $4K. I wasn't interested so I didn't get the seller's name or contact info, nor did I get the provenance...sorry.