161275 DHE 16 ga, a 20 month chase

[Brian H]

In September of 2014 a gentleman approached my table at a gun show where I always have a large sign "Wanted Parker Brothers Shotguns Dead or Alive!". He said that he had his life long hunting gun, a 16 ga DHE with significant damage to the buttstock....would I be interested in such a gun?" I said certainly and promptly gave him may card and said I looked forward to his call. Weeks went by and he never called, Cindy will attest I lost sleep over this encounter, I muttered over and over "you are an idiot....why didn't you get his number." I wrote the gun off after a time as it seemed hopeless that I would ever find this man again.

Out of the blue I received a call 2 weeks ago from a gentleman that got my name from a friend. He had a 16 gauge Parker that he was interested in selling with a broken stock, in the middle of his story I cut him off and asked if he was the man from the previous encounter....he promptly said "yes, I remember you!" Well needless to say I have been in a very good mood waiting for today at 5PM when we would meet. With great anticipation I arrived at his house and entered to see a black case on the table, this is what finding Parker's is all about. My senses were on high, he opened the case and there it was.......... a 16 gauge VHE with 28" barrels! Ahhhh.... the emotion dropped immediately but did not leave me entirely, it went from DHE level to VHE level.

What a great gun, a well hunted example with crisp screws and sharp engraving. The barrels are clean and the chip will glue back just fine! The 80 year old gentleman shared a few hunting stories and remarked how the gun served him well for 40 years and now it was my turn. We worked out a fair deal and after a firm handshake we parted ways. What a great day and another great Parker for my collection.

Happy Sunday everyone!