1929 Parker VHE Restored by Brad Bachelder

[Double Lab]

She is beautiful Allen.

[BRDHNTR]

Dan, it was nice with the cut stock but it didn't fit me properly. I struggled at first with deciding on whether to leave it as is or re-stock it knowing that "originality" is an important factor in collecting Parkers. But when Henry Tenney had the stock cut down for his wife, I figured that originality in the purest sense of the word was lost. At that point in my reasoning, the issue of re-stocking and case coloring became somewhat moot. I did save all the original wood and will keep it with the gun. I've shot 6 rounds of skeet with this Parker and I must say it comes up to the shoulder nicely and fits me like a glove. I'm very pleased with it and look forward to hunting with it this coming Fall, hopefully in northern Maine (probably in and around Kokadjo where I've hunted before) and with my English Setter Sophie.

[Dean Romig]

"Welcome to Kokadjo - Population, Not Many"

I see that sign every time I drive through... well, almost every time... I blinked once and missed Kokadjo entirely.





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[BRDHNTR]

Dean, let's just hope the grouse population up there is good this year

[C.O.B.]

Allen that came out beautifully congratulations. I have bought quite a few blanks from cecil and never been disappointed. On one the smith had it all headed up and discovered a flaw, I thought for sure I was out the $600 for the blank. Cecil took it back no questions and replaced it.

After much consideration and self doubt I have taken a set of barrels to Brad for refinishing. I know they will be beautiful when there done.

[Steve Hodges]

As others have commented, very nice. I am usually not a fan of re-finished Parkers, but those case colors came out VERY nice. Congrats.

[BRDHNTR]

Thanks Steve. I have great respect for those among us who collect and preserve Parkers in original condition. Except for a few Parkers that I have in original condition, the ones I shoot regularly are not completely original. I tend to think of myself more of a bird shooter than collector but what I have I take good care of and hopefully my grandsons will appreciate them when it's their turn to carry the Parker torch. For me, Parkers are the holy grail of American double guns. (no offense meant to you Fox, Lefever and LC Smith collectors)

[C.O.B.]

Here we go getting caught up in the refinished VS original debate again. The English have been sending guns back to the manufacturer be it H&H, Purdey, Mc Naughton or who ever and it doesn't seem to matter value wise. I see no harm in restoring a gun that has been well used/neglected. I have restocked several to fit me so I can use them. What's the point of having a nice gun if it doesn't fit and therefore can't be used?? I restocked (and made it a straight grip) a CHE 20 that had 4 inches of drop and was short to boot. I can now use it and enjoy it.

Allen your kids, grand kids and hopefully great grand kids will enjoy the new life you put into that gun.

[GH-16]

Originally Posted by Rich Anderson

Here we go getting caught up in the refinished VS original debate again. The English have been sending guns back to the manufacturer be it H&H, Purdey, Mc Naughton or who ever and it doesn't seem to matter value wise. I see no harm in restoring a gun that has been well used/neglected. I have restocked several to fit me so I can use them. What's the point of having a nice gun if it doesn't fit and therefore can't be used?? I restocked (and made it a straight grip) a CHE 20 that had 4 inches of drop and was short to boot. I can now use it and enjoy it.

Allen your kids, grand kids and hopefully great grand kids will enjoy the new life you put into that gun.

Well Said !!!

[BRDHNTR]

No debate Rich, I just wanted to explain my reasoning behind the decision to re-stock and case color this Parker and dispel any notions that I was messing with an original Parker. That's all. I appreciate your post.