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I used to live a few blocks read as about a mile away from Becks in Upland, CA. I used to see him driving around in those glorified VW's back in the 80's and 90s.

I had an opportunity to buy an orginal Parker DHE in 28 GA. back in early 2000, I was the underbidder at $7000.00. The buyer was an aquaintance who owns A to Z Used Furniture in Whittier. I knew he was a furniture dealer and had little interest in guns let alone shotguns. He said a friend of his authorized him to go to $12,000.00 on the gun. About 6 months later that gun was sold at Butterfields for $18,000.00. Today a DHE Parker 28 GA would probably fetch around $45,000.00 in very good condition, not great condition by just VG.

That is the thing about American Doubles they are HOT in the market place. Some people think they are overpriced for what you get and the prices fetched are unsustainable. Yeah Right...Winchester Lever Guns are basically just like typewriters..mass produced but those command giant money as well. Henry #5 at 3/4 of a Mill....so why should American Doubles be any different.

Some people think that the European Guns are far more desirable..and worth the bank whereas American Doubles are not...It has always be lodged in my head that a Purdy, HH, Woodward, Westley Richards or Boss were the best money could buy. That American Doubles were a step down but a small step. Quality is Quality period. The English guns are basically custom guns built one at a time. American guns for the most part are mass produced with some guns being given the custom treatment of engraving and embellishment.

A very good friend of mine in the Safari Club and former #2 on the Skeet circuit in CA loves the Purdy but thinks the H&H is clunky. He also loves the feel of a Parker and is not in love with the Elsies. So you pays your money and you takes your choich.