the jury is in! the man owning the 12 footer contacted a buddy at the underwood club, south of town, who then contacted his restorer, who inturn, got back to the owner and claims it was a special order Rushton??!! they scraped up the paint and found part of a brass tag with ush, I think, left on it. the hammer price was $525. the local funeral director bought it and I was told his wife has it sitting next to the motel, that they also own, on the ground with flowers in it. the back bidder told them that it should be in a museum. I don't know who he was but that was the only item he bid on and left shortly after. I might have to try and reason with them! oh! serial number was 86 7887. daylight with these 62 year old eyes sure helps! thanks for the help everyone, esp. benson!