GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
SUPER "DE" "SUPER FOX" SHOTGUN WITH STRAIGHT GRIP AND SPECIAL ORDER TRIGGERS WITH CALLAHAN LETTER.A. H. FOXDE3104412GAMODERN; C&R(1926) Cal. 12 ga. 3" Chambers. 32" Bbls with Becker over-boring and long tapered chokes, are hand engraved "CHROMOX FLUID STEEL" and "MADE BY A. H. FOX GUN CO. PHILA. PA U.S.A." on tops either side of slightly raised, matted rib. Breech ends are engraved with second generation "D" grade 2" triangles of large scroll and acanthus. Bbl flats are stamped with SN, grade, "3IN", and Fox proof. Sides of flats and cocking slide are engine turned, and breech ends of bbls are damascened. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with striking weight "1". Case hardened and rebated action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), and dbl triggers which are unusually shaped, in that they turn straight down (per factory letter, where they were specified as "not to be curved"). Water table is stamped with SN, and grade and hand engraved with patent information. Action is engraved with full coverage well done bold open scrolling acanthus which surrounds vignettes of snipe on left, and grouse on right. "ANSLEY H. FOX" is in scrolled ribands behind bird scenes. Bottom of action depicts a pointing setter watching as a pair of grouse fly off away in woodlands within fancy border. Trigger plate is engraved with more acanthus scroll. Trigger guard has more scroll flanking vacant shield. SN is on tang. Straight grip buttstock is of lightly streaked and finely stump figured dense European walnut, and measures 14-1/2" over black leather faced Jostam pad. Side panels are checkered and checkering at grip is of fancy pattern with flourishes into butt separated by ribbons in typical "D" style. High grade Fox extra long splinter forend with inset schnabeled ebony tip, is checkered to match buttstock in fancy pattern. Interior of iron has wiggle and line border engraving, and engraved patent dates. Bore diameter: left -.735, right - .734. Bore restrictions: left - .046 (extra full), right - .045 (extra full). (These dimensions are typical of Becker bored guns.) Wall thickness: left - .032, right - .030. Drop at heel: 1-7/8"", drop at comb: 1-7/16". Neutral cast. Weight: 8 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". PROVENANCE: Callahan letter giving specifications from orig build card including orig pad, chamber length, shaping of triggers, weight, etc. Estate collection of Dana Tauber. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain nearly all of what appears to be orig blue, although matting on rib is a bit soft. Engine turning on flats is somewhat stained. Traces of damascening remain on breech ends of bbls and locking lug. Action retains 70 - 80% orig color, silvered and thinned on fences and beads, considerably lightened on bottom of action and trigger guard. Stocks retain most of their orig hand rubbed oil finish with a number of light marks and compressions. Checkering lightly worn and a tad dirty. Bores are excellent, with a hint of frosting. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. As the Super Fox was intended for use in waterfowling, often in wet and salty conditions, they are mostly of low grade, and often found in less than good condition; this high grade high condition example is very unusual. 51980-37 MGM108 (10,500-15,500)