The big hunk of vintage cash is the sticking point, seeing as how a really finely made Parker AHE 28ga is still being made today, with few takers. Most people today have more disposable income than they did in the time Parkers were being made in Meriden and Ilion. My first job as a second lieutenant, I started at $6500/year in 1969 and thought I was doing well over contemporaries. Now what is that, a couple weeks income for many still working?
Still, its pleasant to consider. If you look at the production figures, 12ga guns were way more popular than small bores, popularity decreasing with bore size, but there were a significant amount of mid to high grade small bores that seemed to have been bought by knowledgeable sportsmen. Some of those had details that I think were likely specified.
So, assuming I had the money, $125 back then, a lot, I'd still get a C small bore. And I'm fortunate to have gathered exactly what I wanted, from top, CHE 20, CHE 16, CHE 16, with PG, 28", standard weight, SSBP, DT's, splinter forend, in 1904-5 fine scroll engraving detail, as these are. But I'm missing that 20ga Bernard, none found yet, so I'd order one in 26" game gun, tapered rib, long lever, ribbed safety slide and specify not only early century engraving style, but additional engraving details on the frame, butt plate and TG, and upgraded PG French walnut. Of course a 16ga Bernard top action hammer would be nice too if i could put together another $125, a month's pay for many. Too bad none were made.
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