Provenance- What do you have in your safe?

[Double Lab]

Well here I am recouping after my quad/acl repair, not being able to walk for at least 2 weeks. Missed the Southern but shooting for Ernie's. Finally got access to my computer and keyboard so I decided to start something that really sets Parker above all the rest. That is our records and the neat info we all hope for.

I acquired Parker 234255 in 1992 from a dealer in PA. Tom Gibbons was his name and I'm sure someone here has had dealings with him. I was looking for a 32" gun and it was advertised on the pre internet Gun List rag. I had it for about 15 yrs. before I ordered a PGCA letter for it. The letter was ho-hum. Standard trap configuration, 32", ball grip, double triggers, vent rib, VHE, shipped on 1/29/30.

Now the interesting stuff. About a year later I saw G&H's website listing guns that went through their inventory. The gun was ordered on 1/02/30 and received into inventory on 4/01/31. I saw the s/n in their database and emailed Bob Beach that evening.

The very next morning I received a phone call from a very excited Mr. Beach.
There is a ton of info on this gun and it's owner so I'll just give some of the info here and hope to write a PP article with the rest.


Seems the gun was ordered through A&F by a Mr. David K.E. Bruce. Born 2/12/98 - died 12/5/1977. His father was William Cabell Bruce, U.S. Senator fom Maryland. David married Ailsa Mellon, richest woman in America at that time. He started his career as a newspaper correspondent for the Baltimoe Sun in 1920 and worked along side a Mr. H.L. Menken. He was quite the diplomat ; Ambassador to NATO, China, UK, Germany, France and Under
secretary of State.

These a just a few of his accomplishments. But the one I find most interesting is his involvement in the development of the OSS (1941-1945). He headed the agency in Britain, landing on Normandy on the second day.

I've got much more on Mr. Bruce but thought this might give rise to others who have neat histories of their guns previous owners.

My next entry will be on W.R.Crosby and his 20ga. ordered w/o safety, 30", straight grip, compliments of PB.