A.H. Fox A Grade 12GA Side By Side Double Barrel Shotgun Engraved 1914 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,275
WOA#: WY240120LB001
Make: A.H. Fox
Model: A Grade
Serial Number: 21275 (A Grade)
Year of Manufacture: 1914 (https://doublegunshop.com/dgsnos1.htm)
Gauge: 12 GA, 2 ¾ In. Chamber
Action Type: Top-Break Dual Trigger Side by Side with Extractor
Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “KRUPP FLUID STEEL MADE BY”. The top of the left barrel is marked “A.H.FOX GUN Co. PHILA. PA / 12 GA.- 2 ¾ IN. CHAMBER”. The bottom of the monobloc is marked “A 21275”, “12GA”, “FOX / PROOF”. The bottom of both barrels are marked “-FLUID-STEEL-KRUPP-ESSEN-3”. The bottom of the lower tang is marked “21275”. Both sides of the receiver are marked “ANSLEY H. FOX”. The top of the receiver under the barrels is marked “21275 A”, “AUG.16.1901-AUG.1.1905 / OCT.17.1905-JAN.16.1906”. The inside of the forend on the metal is marked “21275”.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: The right choke is CYL-12 and the left choke is FULL. Both chokes are fixed.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a single forward bead sight on the wavy serrated rib and a mid length alignment bead.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks two piece hand checkered wood with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, serrated buttplate, and checkered forend with engraved screw. The LOP measures 13.25 and 14” from the front of the triggers respectively to the rear back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition. There are a few compression marks throughout but the stocks remain relatively clean. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is still well defined and attractive. The fit to frame is tight.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smoothbores are very bright. There are a few
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The receiver has lost the majority of its finish, the strongest case color is under the lever. There are areas of discoloration from oxidation on the receiver. The barrel set has mottled thinning and mottled discoloration scattered throughout. There are a few scattered nicks and marks through the finish. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition as C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Ansley Fox was one of the earliest American innovators with internal hammer double guns. In 1894, at the age of 19, he was issued a patent on a system of cocking the internal hammers of a break-action gun using leverage from the barrels with his design actually containing nineteen patentable features, according to the U.S. Patent office. Fox would continue on, making it his life’s work to produce “The finest gun in the world” (as well as the finest car in the world and a few other manufacturing ventures). He even gained the praise of Theodore Roosevelt who wrote to Mr. Fox in a letter “The double-barreled shotgun has come, and I really think it is the most beautiful gun I have ever seen. I am exceedingly proud of it. I am almost ashamed to take it to Africa and expose it to the rough usage it will receive. But now that I have it, I could not possibly make up my mind to leave it behind. I am extremely proud that I am to have such a beautiful bit of American workmanship with me”. The A.H. Fox Gun Co. would continue producing shotguns of various grades and chambered for various gauges through the late 1920s, when they fell victim to the Great Depression and were acquired by Savage Arms. This example is a 12 gauge A Grade, produced in 1914, quite early for an A.H. Fox. Today, A.H. Fox shotguns are quite collectible. As Fox’s reputation was built on quality, their success didn’t necessarily mean that a huge number of guns were made. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
