GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
SCARCE PARKER GHE 20 GAUGE ONCE OWNED BY LEGENDARY AUTHOR AND WESTERN WRITER ZANE GREY - "HIS FAVORITE BIRD GUN". PARKER GHE 149406 20GA MODERN; C&R Cal. 20 ga. 2-3/4" chambers with 25-7/8" bbls (appear orig and uncut). Full length matted rib with brass front bead marked "Parker Bros Makers. Meriden, Conn. Damascus Steel". #0 frame. Water table with SN and grade designation noted. Bbl flats with unstruck bbl weight of 3 lbs. 2 oz. Double nickel plated triggers, extractors and automatic safety. Capped full pistol grip buttstock, checkered in 3-pt pattern with nickel shield and Parker Bros. DHBP. Pistol grip cap marked "Parker Bros. / Meriden, Conn.". Splinter forearm with Deeley type release is lightly floral engraved and steel tipped. Receiver is engraved in typical GH pattern with flying birds on left side, standing birds on right in ovals and marked "Parker Bros.". Bottom of frame is lightly scroll engraved and trigger plate with 2 pheasants in circle. Trigger guard with single burst of scroll and SN noted at tang. This fabulous small bore Parker was once the property of famed author, sportsman and chronicler of the American West, Zane Grey(1872-1939)writer of famous western novels such as "Riders of the Purple Sage and The Lone Star Ranger". After a career in dentistry, Zane moved to Altadena, CA in 1918 where he began his writing career. 112 films and 2 television series were based on his novels. Also accompanying this gun is a signed and notorized affadavit from noted firearms dealer Michael R. Zomber of Pennsylvannia wherein he shares the history of this gun and a Colt single action also owned by Grey being offered elsewhere in this sale. Zomber purchased the Parker and a Colt single action Army from Zane Grey's eldest son in July of 1974. Within the affadavit Zomber notes that Romer Grey stated that "The Parker was Zane Grey's favorite bird gun and he treasured it". "Romer was more reluctant to part with the Parker than either the Colt single action or the more valuable Ulrich engraved Winchester M1895." Zomber sold the gun to Mr. Lewis Ferguson owner of Ames Guns in Santa Monica, CA in August of 1974 who has owned both of these guns until now. Bore diameter: left - .621, right - .619. Bore restrictions: left - .016 (mod), right - .004 (imp/cyl). Minimum wall thickness: left - .030, right - .020 . Weight: 6 lbs. 3 oz. Drop at comb: 1-7/16", drop at heel: 2-15/16". LOP: 14". CONDITION: Exceptional as refurbished. Damascus bbls have been lightly blued over though remain in excellent condition and could be very easily restored to show their bold orig pattern. Receiver retains nearly all of its dark recase hardened finish with engraving slightly softened. Trigger guard is near mint as restored. Buttstock & forearm are excellent and retain nearly all of professional quality restored finish with just minute handling marks throughout. Checkering is crisp. Bores are excellent. Mechanics are crisp. Gun is tight on the face. An opportunity to acquire the personal hunting partner of one of America's most famed 20th century western authors. One can only imagine hunting with a legend like Zane Grey in America's west. 51023-2 JSL (20,000-30,000)