Treasures

[Barcelona Rick]

Hi Men/Ladies,

I've been offline awhile after having to retire early for medical reasons. Don't have a home computer yet but the public library is a poor man's way to play.

I mentioned at church a few weeks ago that I really enjoyed doing research on older firearms....a couple in my Sunday School class said they had an old revolver for me to look at...a week later I went to visit and they showed me some wonderful old classics. The lady was raised on a ranch in the Texas Panhandle and her kin were all outdoorsmen.

Out first comes a 1st generation Colt Woodsman in 85 % condition, then an Iver Johnson Sealed 8 target in near new condition, next is a small single shot .22 with a hammer and break open barrel again like new, next out was a Colt 1851 Navy in good condition (I almost cried I want it), next a Springfield 1881(?) Trapdoor in fair condition then the gentleman asked if I needed a 30-30 which I always do........guess what ?? Out comes a 1895 Winchester in 30 Gov't '06 with the barrel marked especially for smokeless powder. The receiver was pretty shining and the barrel was blue/patina. The wood was very good with the exception of a cross bolt screw/bolt very well inletted into the wood at the wrist....I could not see any signs of a break or crack in that area.

I believe the Trapdoor and Colt Navy will clean up very well....nothing has boogered screws or missing parts and the firearms are all tight. Well they had zero idea what they had......they have sons and grandchildren and I asked if they were interested. Answer was no. I could have probably bought everything then and there but family treasures should stay with the family. I told them I would research everything and let them know......in the mean time I call the son who is a hunter and all around sportsman. He was not even aware of some of the items. He made contact with his mom and they are mostly spoken for.....I may be crazy but I don't think I could forgive my self for buying these without everyones knowledge or permission. I do have visitation rights.......God Bless ya'll..

jumbeaux

[bsaride]

Excellent write up, and ya did the right thing.

[2ndovc]

It always feels better to do the right thing.

I inherited a lot of good stuff from my Grandfather when he passed away including a '73 Winchester, 92s, a 94 and a few others I never knew he had. It would have been really upsetting to hear someone else had made off with them.

Nice to hear that there are some good guys still out there.

jb

[66GTO]

I salute you sir, for your integrity.

[Andrew]

Excellent write up, and ya did the right thing.

+1 I sure would have liked to handle them as well.

[Ysabel Kid]

Excellent write up, and ya did the right thing.

+1 I sure would have liked to handle them as well.

+ another. Your reward for such honorable actions will come later - either in this life or the next!

[Henry McCann]

Thanks for your example of integrity!

[Hobie]

Ya done good!

[BenT]

I would of done the same.

[Griff]

Ya done good.

[gamekeeper]

Thanks for your example of integrity!

+1

[Pete44ru]

"Integrity" is how a person acts, when there's nobody else around to see, or know about.

Ya done the right thing, and will sleep well at night ! Good on you !

[1886]

I like to think I would have done the same. I probably would but to be honest the temptation would have been intense. I agree with everyone else. You did do the right thing. You are a good man. 1886.

[Texican]

Huzzah! Good for you. Glad to know that I'm amongst other Boy Scouts and men of integrity.

I remember how incensed I was, about ten years back, hearing another shooter at a match brag how he ripped off some old widow - almost outright stole a $2K rifle for $300. *%#$&#$@!!! I don't know how people like that sleep at night.

Again, Good for you!

[The Lewis]

+1 on what everyone has said...

[6pt-sika]

You did do the honorable thing !

But I am weak , I would have offered them a fair price for the 1851 Navy