Last week, the friends widow wanted me to go out and look over his guns to see what there was and give some approximate values. While I'm no professional, I was glad to help out. He didn't have a lot of guns, but I was aware there was a 20ga Parker shotgun that had belonged to his dad. I knew this because I had listened to my dad talk about it for 50 years.
I looked over the modest assortment and jotted down the info I needed. The widow came in and handed my dad the Parker. She said, "Al wanted you to have this". I was really happy for my dad. It was a great piece of his friend he could have.
She then said she forgot about one in the bedroom. She brought in a small zippered pistol case and handed it to me. I opened it and inside was a nice little Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless. 32acp.
When I was done, I really hesitated but told her I would love to buy the little Colt and would pay it's value. She would have none of it. I argued, but to no avail. She told me to take the little Colt. She also gave me a nice drill press and a Wilton bench vice.
She promised I would earn them!
When we got home, dad gave me the Parker. Why, I can't imagine. He had waxed on that thing for 50 years!
It isn't perfect. It's been hunted and shows some wear. It is still super tight and has bright 26" bores. It is lighter than an H&R single shot and balances perfectly.
To say I was surprised by all this is an understatement.
