Although I continued to "lurk", I too became somewhat alienated by the tone of some of the untoward comments made by a few posters to this forum; and therefore haven't contributed any posts for some time. But this topic of manners and gentlemen has prompted me to relate an experience just enjoyed with a couple of forum members that was quite a demonstration of unselfishness; and ultimately, very beneficial to me personally. It seems a GB seller had posted for sale a very seldom seen example of the SAC 20-bore A Grade ejector with Krupp barrels. This little gun is well-used and retains very little original finish; but was intact with original stocks. I immediately placed a bid; but it wasn't long before my bid was topped. I happened to recognize the second bidder's handle; it was forum member Ross Berck with whom I had communicated often regarding SAC guns. Considering it foolishness for Ross and I to be bidding against each other, I contacted Ross regarding my interest in the gun. Without ever being asked, Ross volunteered that he would not bid against me. I was thrilled at his generosity; but told him that my bid would be limited to a certain amount (far below the amount Ross said he was willing to bid); and to be sure and not hesitate to bid on the gun in the event my break-point was exceeded. Shortly afterwards I was contacted by another member of this forum, Harry Sanders, who also expressed interest in the gun. When I explained to Harry the above "game plan" Ross and I were endeavoring to execute, Harry generously volunteered not to bid. When the dust eventually settled, I was the proud new owner/care-giver of a SAC 20-bore; and at a very reasonable price! I had searched for an affordable example for the past 19 years; for although I had seen and handled a couple of examples, I had never had an example I could actually study (disassemble) for my SAC research. Obviously, had either Ross or Harry really wanted this gun it could have easily been theirs for the taking; and perhaps there were other unknown posters to this forum equally interested in this little gun, but also recognzed Ross or me as a bidder and graciously elected to pass on the opportunity. But my point is that I am humbled by the generousity and kindness shown directly to me by Ross and Harry (and also to any other unknown, but gracious forum member); and even more grateful that their kindness has allowed the addition of this seldom seen piece to my small SAC gun collection. Although it should have been obvious, I never realized prior to this personal experience that similar events take place between the genttelmanly members of this forum of a regular basis. Most importantly, the realization of this fact has opened my eyes to another obvious fact; the fact that the vast, vast majority of the posters to this forum are indeed gentleman of the first order, men who make it a point to observe the good manners they learned as a child. As with almost everything else in life, it seems our human focus often centers on the negative; which inspires me to take a few minutes to emphasize some positives. Among the many positives regularly demonstrated on/thru this forum is the willingness of members to share a "new discovery" (as was demonstrated by Ross and Harry), the willingness and generosity regularly demonstrated by the most knowlegeable double gun men in the nation as regards the sharing of their time and experiences, the willingness demonstrated by forum members in sharing their personal reseach in efforts to educate and inform so that all can avoid costly mistakes, the fact that this forum attracts the most knowlegeable double gun collectors extant and now enjoys the well-earned reputation of the best forum of its type and being heads and shoulders above anything available; etc. I've rambled far too long, so will close by stating that I sincerly hope my own trival research efforts have contributed in some small way to the knowlege base of this forum; but most of all I hope that I will always be deemed by my peers as a person willing to share his time and whatever information he has learned with all who are interested in the fascinating world of double guns. Regards, Tom Archer
