It's curiosity, my friend. Most people like to know where they came from, and the same applies often to things they own. We don't live by bread alone. With my American doubles, it's nice to know of the times they were made. I can then relate to the men who built and used those guns---how many days to make them, how they were valued in those years, populations of birds etc.
When I take a gun from the rack in early morning, my choice has a lot to do with my mood, my state of mind, and the sight of an 1899 Parker or 1925 Philly Fox or an Army and Navy sold to Mr. Shilling in 1914 for seven pounds seven shillings is intrinsically important to me before I'm out the door. Or if I'm bloody-minded I might just grab the seemingly consummate killer 1970 SKB.
The human spirit is not concerned with objects. The human spirit is concerned with the significance that relates one object to another. It renders a more satisfying life for me. That's the way I see things any way---and that may come from living too long in the woods. But knowing the history of my guns means a lot more than a box of shells to me. Regards, King
Last edited by King Brown; 01/15/08 11:30 AM.