Allentown PA Gun Show and sad news

[Silvers]

So I drove down to the Allentown Forks Show yesterday on a quick turnaround because I had a commitment for later in the day. First off in the door I heard sad news from Ron Hartman of the Hartman Brothers/Elmira Arms that his brother Richard passed on St Patrick's day. I knew Rich was ill for some time but the last time I saw him two shows ago he seemed fine and in good spirits. The Hartmans have been fixtures at the better gun shows here in the east for as long back as I can remember. Rest in peace Richard.

Saw a nice 20 gauge 26” SW with Simmons vent rib and very nice classy restock, walking around. The price was right/negotiable but second time I looked at it I saw the barrels were bent upwards probably by Simmons when they did the VR on the original low comb stock, then the gun was later restocked and I was pretty sure it would shoot really high. I passed. Also saw a 4th gen Ithaca NID with two barrels numbered to the gun, 16 gauge, both 28”, one choked 1 & 2 and the other 2 & 4. Nice combo. Also had an original sunburst pad. I was kind of interested but condition was a notch below what I wanted. One miss perhaps was a 12 gauge Phila SW Ejector gun 30” walking around. Not collector quality but decent original condition/hunting wear. I passed on it while in the member line waiting for the door to open, and later saw a dealer forking over the cash. Also was tempted by a Winny Model 12 Black Diamond solid rib Trap gun, all original with perfect screws but again the condition was off a notch or two. A poorly refinished 32" 12 ga SW was one one table for $1795. I don't record the s/n but it didn't have a "0" in the fourth place. A few other random smallbore and 12 ga SW’s, one reworked early A grade 12 ga straight grip…. nothing to write home about. I was only there a few hours and there were guns walking in when I left so who knows what came in later? One gent was hanging out outside the door with a 28" late Utica SW, 12 gauge, extractor gun probably 99.8% screamer condition but he was just getting "bids" on it. Trips like this are usually dry runs but then one day the Red Gods smile. But overall, good Foxes are getting harder and harder to find.

Frank

[eightbore]

Sorry the hear about Richard Hartman. He has been a fixture in the high end gun business for decades.

[Witty1]

Hi Frank,

Sorry I missed you at the Show got there late, Prom weekend for the triplets and Mother’s Day weekend never helps the Married Fox guys’ lol… The 20 STW with the Simmons Rib has been walking around that show twice before and also Oaks, comes from South Jersey. Nice modified restock, price has been very firm each time I see it. Didn’t notice the barrel bends, custom Foxes are always “beauty in the eyes of the beholder,” she is a temptress. The same gent also had another STW 20 extractor custom wood nice but a white grip cap?

Saw the 32 STW and the price and just kept walking, I know you like long guns. I like the opposite, did see a Utica STW extractor 20 gauge cut to 24 inches, rough shape pitted barrels, asking $1295. Your right really nice Foxes are hard to find, the internet has made treasure hunting more difficult.
Sorry to hear about Richard, the Elmira boys always have really nice high end doubles.

[SAS]

The Hartmans have always been a class act. I noticed the one brother was not there. I did not realized he had passed. Very sad.

Frank, Witty1. I did not see you at the Forks show. I have been looking for 26" 12 ga. for upland hunting. Picked one up off of a dealer table. 1924 vintage w. 3 wt barrels. Pull is short, but I have a NOS Hawkins pad that needs a permanent home. Should bring the LOP to 14", and look good. Left barrel has a dent that can be removed. Perfect untouched screws. Gun was not shot much. Solid gun with a couple of minor issues. Looking forward to getting it back out in the field. - Scott