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A.H. Fox Grade BE 12-Gauge with Late-Style Engraving, S/N 25829, Mfg. Philadelphia, 1919
Guns International #: 103370313 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Fox Shotguns - Shotguns - American Double
Seller's Information
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Seller: DOUBLEGUN PRESERVATION
Member Since: 3/7/12
State: Virginia
Zip: 22207
Country: United States
Phone: (703) 625-4830
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 4
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Certified Check, Postal Money Order, Personal Check
Description:
This A.H. Fox Grade BE 12-gauge, s/n 25829, was manufactured in Philadelphia in 1919. Production records show that it was special ordered with a stock made of “select maple”. Other A.H. Fox guns stocked in maple do exist, but they are very uncommon. It is also one of only 600 BE guns that were made with fourth generation deep-cut engraving. Part of Fox’s original product line, the Grade B model was nestled between its lowest priced gun, the Grade A, and its $100 gun, the Grade C. To adapt to changing market conditions, the company ceased offering this model in 1919. No. 25829 was one of the last of the Grade-B guns produced before Fox closed the line.
The grain alignment on the stock is good, flowing from the butt through the wrist. Visually, the dark grain against the multi-tonal background is very attractive. The 22 lpi checkering is sharp. The length of pull is 14-3/4 inches to the end of a 1-inch recoil pad; the drop-at-the-comb is 1-5/8 inches, and the drop-at-the-heel is 2-5/8 inches. The cast of the stock is neutral. The forend metal is original, the forend wood is new. The 26-inch Chromox Fluid Steel barrels have 2-3/4-inch chambers and are factory engraved near the breech. Although Fox produced Grade BE guns with 26-inch barrels, regrettably S/N 25829 was not one of them. It left the factory with 30-inch barrels. At some time in its history a wad likely stuck in the last four inches where the bores are constricted to produce choke, and the next shot damaged the barrels. Its time as a duck gun ended. However, this unfortunate event had two positive outcomes. The gun was shelved, apparently for decades, which helped to preserved the stock and receiver in such good condition. Also, with the installation of a set of five Briley inter-changeable chokes, the gun was transformed into a versatile shotgun well suited both to upland game hunting and today’s most popular shooting sports. As reconditioned, the exteriors of the barrels are excellent. As honed by Briley, the bores are bright and without pitting. The right barrel has relatively uniform wall thicknesses of (top/side/bottom) of .020/.022/.025 and the left .027/.030/.036. The ejectors are properly timed. The gun weighs 7 pounds 1 ounce. The right trigger pulls at 4 pounds and the left at 6-1/2 pounds. The gun is on-face, locks up like a vault, and all serial numbers match.
The inspection period is 7 days. The price does not include shipping costs, which are paid by the buyer. This gun has been fired on multiple occasions with standard loads. Nevertheless, as with any shotgun over a century old, the new owner is strongly encouraged to have it inspected by his or her own gunsmith before firing.
Price: $2,900.00
Curio/Relic: Yes