I agree that as a photographer, I hope he didn't give up his day job! 12K for what (from I can tell from the crap photos) is a bit aggressive for a tired, 'ridden hard and put away wet' Jeffery. Is it really an 'ex Elmer Keith' gun? Who knows and, to be blunt, would I buy a gun that no doubt shoots and functions as well as this poorly-maintained example no doubt will? Not me.

I'm not knocking guns with a 'history.' I am a Sharps collector and guns that can be traced through factory records and other available sources to such events as the original Creedmoor match guns (and several of those survive in near mint condition) etc will bring a substantial boost in inherent value. But Elmer Keith was a gun writer, albeit a very enjoyable one and a fascinating character that we are poorer for his loss. However, he went through many, many guns in his lifetime, often getting one to use from a friend for a specific hunt and then discarding or loaning to another. I have seen a few of his handguns for sale, ones that were built or modified to his specs and which have brought a big price because of their unique nature as well as their connection to Elmer. All were marvelously maintained by someone who took care of his guns. This one? As Roscoe points out, ridden hard, put away wet, and appears to have been redone in an outhouse by someone quaffing a few brews.

Dave