GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
RARE AND SUPERB A. H. FOX "FE" SHOTGUN WITH SINGLE TRIGGER.A. H. FOXSXS FE2599212GAMODERN; C&R; ESACal. 12 ga. 2-5/8" Chambers. 30" Bbls with narrow, matted rib, and twin ivory beads, are hand engraved "CHROMOX FLUID STEEL" "MADE BY A. H. FOX GUN CO. PHILA. PA U.S.A." on tops. Breech ends are engraved with 2-1/2" triangles of large scroll and acanthus bisected by gold inlaid lightning bolts. Bbl flats are hand engraved with SN, grade, and stamped with Fox proof. Sides of flats, cocking slide, and breech ends of bbls are damascened. Bottom of left bbl is stamped with striking weight "1". Case hardened action with rebated and dbl ogee backed frame, features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), and gold plated Kautzky single selective trigger. Water table is hand engraved with patent dates, SN, and grade within acanthus borders. Action is engraved with full coverage well done bold open shaded scroll with acanthus and floral highlights which surrounds vignettes of gold inlaid dogs; pointer on left side in mountainous backgrounds, and setter on right. Gold inlaid quadrants transected by leaves are on hinge pin heads. "ANSLEY H. FOX" is in scrolled ribands behind dog scenes. Bottom of action depicts ruffed grouse with four chicks in woodland scene within fancy border. Trigger plate is engraved with bold rose bouquet within acanthus scroll borders. Trigger guard has more scroll flanking vacant lozenge. SN is on tang. Round knob pistol grip buttstock is of very finely marbled and lightly figured dense European walnut, and measures 13-5/8" over brown leather faced Silver pad. Side panels have closely spaced checkering with attractive fleur-di-lis intrusions. Borderless checkering at grip is of fancy crenelated pattern shot through with ribbons and fleur-di-lis in typical "FE" style. A gold shield on toe line is engraved with initials "JHMcD". Typical high grade Fox extra long splinter forend with inset schnabeled horn tip, is checkered to match buttstock in fancy pattern with ribbons and fleur-di-lis. Interior of iron has wiggle and line border engraving, and hand engraved patent dates. Bore diameter: left -.725, right - .725. Bore restrictions: left - .035 (full), right - .019 (mod). Wall thickness: left - .038, right - .038. Drop at heel: 2-3/8", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Cast 1/4" on. Weight: 7 lbs. 10 oz. LOP: 13-5/8". PROVENANCE: Estate collection of Dana Tauber. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain essentially all of what appears to be their orig blue, with only a few light handling marks and minor thinning. Damascening appears orig and is strong. Action retains nearly all of its orig case hardening color, with a touch of silvering on fences, thumbpiece, sides of trigger guard bow, thinned on tang. Forend latch is excellent, thinned a bit. Gold of trigger is excellent, worn through only a bit on ridge above finger blade. Stocks retain nearly all of what appears to be their orig finish with a few old marks and dings, and possible addition of a bit of oil at butt with installation of newer pad. Checkering is untouched, a bit dirty, with a hint of wear. There is a slight 3/8" grain check behind top tang running into checkering on right side. Bores are excellent, with a few extremely light striations (possibly leading) in right bbl. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong. Trigger works. Undoubtedly one of the best examples of this scarce top of the cataloged Fox line of guns one could ever hope to find, truly superb. 51980-29 MGM106 (60,000-90,000)