Years ago, long before I knew a decent British gun from a clunker I was at a show in Baltimore. On a table with two dozen klunkers was a well worn, greasy and rust covered gun. The name on the gun was Purdey. Judging by the grime it was last cleaned when at the factory about 1870-1875. The seller told me it was a Belgian copy of a old British gun. Paid $50.00 for the gun in 1975 dollars, back when that was still a lot of money to me. Figured it would look good over the fireplace.
When I got it home I found out it was a real Purdey, not a cheap copy. Barrels were hopeless, stock was sound but the gun was well worn but not as bad as it looked with all the grime on the gun. Ended up giving it to my best friend, when my first daughter was born. He was the doctor who delivered the baby. Refused to charge me money for the delivery. Just took what little the insurance gave him. He kept the gun as a decoration in his den for many years. Had it spruced up and it looks rather nice these days. Last count he had almost three grand in the gun. Picked up the engraving, refinished the metal. It still has never been shot. In fact I think he is about to have the barrels lined by Teagule. I figure my small investment will end up costing him about five grand. Not a bad investment for the gunsmiths. Right bad one for the owner.
Every time I see it I think that i got the best end of the deal. How many great daughters does a man need? As many as God gives him.
