Eight Gauge, but not a Parker

[Bill Murphy]

I have been looking to add a Davenport eight gauge to my collection for many years, but I have always been snakebit by price, condition, or unwillingness to sell. Familiar story to Parker collectors. This weekend, an original 36" Davenport eight appeared on a table at a local gun show. I looked at it for a day, and made my decision on the second day, the cracked stock being the item of doubt. I got it home and found some faded case colors, fairly vivid Twist Steel pattern, and original buttplate in nice condition. The bore is spotless and shiny.