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LOT 1512
Master Robert P. Runge Engraved Parker Brothers Larry Del AHE Grade Upgraded Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 227264,
12 gauge, 32 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Originally built in 1928 as a VHE Grade, this gun was subsequently upgraded to its current AHE Grade
configuration by the highly respected Larry Del Grego and Master Engraver Robert P. Runge. Blued barrels with a single steel
bead sight on the matted solid rib which is marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT. U.S.A. ACME STEEL” (“ACME” remarked), light
engraving at the breeches, and chambers measured 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors. The casehardened boxlock action displays
extensive scroll engraving surrounding four games scenes depicting a running deer on the left, a pair of quail on the right, and two setter
scenes on the underside with one a full profile and the other with a quail in its mouth. The trigger guard shows another scene with a setter
standing on point. The water table is marked “HI GRADE BY/L. DEL GREGO & SON/ILION, N.Y.” and “ENG. R. P. RUNGE/ILION, N.Y./1976”. The gun
features a single selective gold washed trigger and a tang mounted automatic safety switch. Beautifully figured, fancy checkered splinter forend
with engraved fittings, including the Deeley latch release, and straight grip stock with checkered and fleur-de-lis carved flats, Gothic “M” in the gold inscription oval, and engraved skeleton buttplate around the checkered bare butt. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from
the breech .736/.736 inches; choke constriction .020/.041 inches; minimum wall thickness .025/.027 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/16 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 8 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally upgraded, retaining 99% blue and casehardened finishes with a small dent on the underside of the right barrel near the muzzle, a few spots of minor oxidation on the barrels, a few minor dings and scratches in the wood, and 99% of the finish and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500