Soul? A repro might attain soul in a hundred years or so but even then will never attain the heights of soul an original has. They were made by American craftsmen and women who took pride in their work - trades many of them learned in the old country at the knee of masters and brought them to this new country; a country with promise. The level of craftsmanship they engaged in on a daily basis we, today call art. Each time these old guns were shot, whether at clays, pigeons or wild game - each time they were cleaned and oiled and rubbed and admired by their owners they attained a higher level of soul. each time they were handed down from father to son or grandfather to grandson with the stories of how well they served their masters they attained a higher level of soul. Each time a new "custodian" took on the responsibility of their use and care, knowing or just guessing at their imagined history, evaluating each bump and bruise, nick and scratch, imagining how each blemish happened, they attain a higher level of soul. Each time a wife casts a jealous sidelong glance at them as they are carried out of the house to the field where they will be cherished like a mistress as they obey their master's bidding they attain a higher level of soul. Each time we hold them, admire them and wish for autumn so that we may again play with them they attain a higher level of soul. Nothing can replace or imitate this kind of soul.
