GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
RARE PARKER "A1 SPECIAL" REPRODUCTION BY WINCHESTER THREE BARREL SET, WITH EXCEPTIONAL SPECIAL ORDER ENGRAVING BY GEOFF GOURNET, AND HUEY CASE. PARKER A1 28-061 28/410 MODERN Cal. 28 ga. and .410. Three bbl sets of 28 ga. 26" and 28" as well as 28" .410 bbls, all have Winchester reproduction markings and matching SNs. There are 3" triangles of well cut scroll at breech ends of bbls and geometric bands around muzzles. Bbl flats are engine turned. Case hardened action with fences filed with three beads, has chevron filed in top lever with pierced thumbpiece. There are lightening cuts on water table. Action is engraved with full coverage truly exceptional small shaded scroll deeply cut in near semi-relief. This fine scroll surrounds well rendered vignettes of birds and dog with a nicely detailed ruffed grouse sitting on birch branch on left side of action and a pair of quail flushing in pinelands on right. Portrait of a Brittany spaniel is on trigger plate, and "Parker" is gold inlaid on bottom of action. Trigger guard with matching scroll has SN in gold on tang. This fine work is by noted contemporary engraver, Geoffrey Gournet, whose signature appears on trigger plate. Unusual feather crotch figured flesh toned European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-1/8" over skeleton steel buttplate, and features typical "A1 Special" fancy checkering pattern, fleur-di-lis drop points, and recessed checkered side panels carved with large fleur-di-lis. Matching splinter forends, one for both 28 ga, and another for .410 bbls, have usual steel tips and releases. 28" 28 ga BBLS are choked mod and full. Drop at heel: 1-15/16", drop at comb: 1-1/4". Neutral cast. Weight: 5 lbs.11 oz. LOP: 14-1/8". 26" BBLs are choked Q1 and Q2. and .410 BBLS are choked improved cylinder and modified. Custom russet leather case with stitched leather corners and brass hardware by Huey (Huey no. 657) is lined in dark green suede, and has space for gun and three sets of bbls. Case contains some gold plated brass accessories: two pairs of snap caps and a square oil bottle, as well as a cleaning rod. PROVENANCE: Parker Reproductions letter with proposed specifications when this fine gun was ordered. Letter was signed by J. T. Skeuse (father of the Winchester/ Parker. . CONDITION: Excellent, essentially as new, appears unfired, with only a few very minor marks in all wood and metal finishes. Mechanically excellent. Case is excellent. THE PARKER STORY relates that 150 A1 Special Winchester reproduction guns were factory engraved, and 300 were left plain for custom engraving, only 16 of the total were configured as 28/ 410 combinations. How many were three bbl sets? 51643-1 MGM146 (20,000-30,000)