GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
VERY RARE (54 PRODUCED) HIGH ORIGINAL CONDITION SPECIAL ORDER FOX 20 GAUGE "DE" SHOTGUN WITH SINGLE TRIGGER. A. H. FOX DE 202068 20GA MODERN; C&R; ESA Cal. 20 ga. 2-1/2" Chambers. 26" Bbls with matted rib holding two ivory beads, are hand engraved "CHROMOX FLUID STEEL" "MADE BY A. H. FOX GUN CO. PHILA. PA. U.S.A." on tops. There are 2" triangles of open, shaded, scrolling acanthus at breech ends. Bbl flats are stamped with grade, SN and Fox proof. Sides of flats and cocking slide are engine turned. Small rebated frame, case hardened action has all correct markings on water table, patent info is hand engraved. Action features automatic safety (SAFE in gold) and Kautzky single selective trigger. Action is engraved in classic late "D" style with full coverage shaded scrolling acanthus surrounding oval vignettes of game birds; snipe flying over marsh on left and quail flying over marsh on right. "ANSLEY H. FOX" is on riband at upper rear of each scene. Bottom of action depicts a setter standing in meadow within crenelated border. Trigger plate is engraved with acanthus matching action. Case hardened trigger guard has matching acanthus flanking central shield on box, with SN at grip. Well marbled European walnut Fox capped extra long (obviously special order) pistol grip buttstock measures 13-5/8" over black leather faced Silver pad. Side panels are checkered and fancy pattern checkering with lozenge intrusion and scroll flourishes into butt, is at grip. Matching long slim ejector forend with inset ebony tip, has Fox's Deeley type release. Interior of iron has border engraving and has all correct marks and numbers. Bore diameter: left -.616, right - .615. Bore restrictions: left - .018 (mod), right - .007 (IC). Wall thickness: left - .031, right - .031. Drop at heel: 2-3/8", drop at comb: 1-13/16". Cast 1/4 on. Weight: 5 lbs. 15 oz. LOP: 13-5/8". PROVENANCE: Estate collection of Dana Tauber. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain 90 - 95% orig blue, thinning slightly on sides from normal hand wear, with a few cleaned minor rust spots. Action retains approx 90% orig case hardening color, silvered on high edges and thinning on bottom. Trigger guard retains most of its orig color, silvered at grip. Stocks retain most of an old hand rubbed oil finish, possibly orig, with some minor marks and nicks. Checkering cleaned and slightly worn. Newer pad is somewhat flattened. Bores are excellent with some light scratches. Action is tight. Mechanically excellent. An extremely rare small bore Fox. Factory records indicate a total production of 54, 49 in Philadelphia. 51980-36 MGM13 (27,500-42,500)