This has happened to me many times: A gun I like is coming up at an auction. I look at the estimate and think there’s no way I can get it. So I don’t bid. Then, a week later, I check the results and see the gun sold for a price well within my reach.
That’s how I’ve learned that it’s always better to leave a bid — even if it’s a low one. You never know what might happen at an auction, and to paraphrase the great Wayne Gretzky, you miss 100% of the guns you don’t bid on.
Guyette and Deeter’s September 2023 Fine Sporting Arms auction starts this Monday, 9/11. These two guns may be worth taking a chance on.
Lot 20: BEAUTIFUL HIGH ORIGINAL CONDITION LATE PRODUCTION PARKER VHE 16 GAUGE SXS SN. 241486: Cal. 16ga. One of the last 1000 Parker shotguns built, this one made on a No. 1 frame with 28″ Vulcan Steel brls, 2-3/4″ chambers, that have matted concave top rib and small steel front bead. Brl flats with SN, Parker overload proof stamp, and unstruck brl weight of 3lbs. 8oz. Left side of brl lug stamped “V GRADE 16 GA FOR 2-3/4″ SHELLS”. The splinter forearm is checkered in diamond pattern and has beautifully casehardened steel tip, Deeley latch release, and iron which are zig zag border engraved. Casehardened boxlock receiver with zig zag border engraved and engraved “PARKER” on bottom. Blued trigger guard with zig zag border on bow, SN at tang. Gun made with double triggers, auto ejectors, auto safety. The nicely flame figure American Walnut buttstock has capped pistol grip, is checkered in 2 point pattern through the wrist and terminates with its original “PARKER” DHBP. WEIGHT: 6lbs. 13oz. Min. Wall Thickness: .026(Rt) .024(L). Bore Diameter: .666(Both). Bore Restriction: .014(Rt) .029(L). DAC: 1-5/8″. DAH: 2-9/16″. LOP: 14-1/4″. Est. $5,000 – $8,000
Lot 383: SCARCE MERKEL MODEL 200E 20 GAUGE OVER UNDER GAME GUN: SN. 18117. Cal. 20ga. Made with 26″ Bolher Steel brls, 2-1/2″ chambers, that have 2-1/8″ matted rib at breech end and small white stand at muzzle end. Brls engraved on sides “GEBRUDER MERKEL SUHL” on left and “SUHLER WAFFENWERK” on right. Brl tubes stamped “BOHLER STAHL WEICHLOT” towards top. 3 piece splinter forearm checkered in point pattern with lightly engraved iron and Deeley latch release. Scalloped boxlock receiver is nicely scroll engraved in about 40% coverage, with banner on bottom “SUHLER WAFFENWERK/ D.R.P./ GEBURDER MERKEL, SUHL”. Receiver is reinforced at top and has cocking indicators on sides. Blued top lever and trigger guard are both lightly scroll engraved. Long tang of trigger guard has SN at center. Gun made with double triggers, auto ejectors, non-auto safety. Receiver with crossbolt locking mechanism. Buttstock with finely shaped heart behind receiver, is checkered in point through the wrist, and terminates with its original makers lined and logoed horn buttplate. WEIGHT: 5lbs. 10oz. Min. Wall Thickness: .036(B) .031(T). Bore Diameter: .625(Both). Bore Restriction: .029(B) .028(T). DAC: 1-1/2″. DAH: 2-1/4″. LOP: 14-1/8″. Est. $2,000 – $3,000
FYI: The accuracy of these listings has not been verified by Dogs and Doubles. All information has been provided by the sellers. Buyers are responsible for verifying the physical condition and all specifications of the listed items. Dogs and Doubles recommends you and a qualified gunsmith physically inspect an item before purchasing.
