GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
FINE AND RARE 20 GAUGE A. H. FOX (PHILADELPHIA) "XE" SHOTGUN WITH FACTORY LETTER. A. H. FOX XE 202017 20GA MODERN; C&R; ESA Cal. 20 ga. 2-1/2" Chambers. 26" Chromox bbls with Philadelphia address, are fitted with two ivory beads on narrow matted rib. Engine turned bbl flats are marked with SN, grade, and Fox proof. Small sized case hardened action features automatic safety, rebated frame, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved in typical "X" style with pairs of birds; quails on left and ducks on right, surrounded by fields of oak leaf acanthus scroll. This scroll extends 1-1/2" down breech ends of bbls. "ANSLEY H FOX" is above each bird scene, and bottom of action portrays oval vignette of bushy tailed fox in mountainous background. Trigger guard with acorns and oak leaves surrounding shield on bow, engraved "JCI", has SN on tang. Well streaked and lightly figured dense European walnut Fox capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14" over leather faced Silver pad. Side panels are checkered with arcaded front border, and grip checkering is of fancy crenelated pattern. Matching long and slim splinter ejector forend has inset schnabeled ebony tip, and usual Fox Deeley type release. Bore diameter: left -.615, right - .615. Bore restrictions: left - .028 (full), right - .008 (IC). Wall thickness: left - .030, right - .032. Drop at heel: 3-1/2", drop at comb: 1-7/8". Cast off slightly. Weight: 5 lbs. 14 oz. LOP: 14". PROVENANCE: Factory letter confirming specifications, and that the gun was shipped to William Read and Son Sept 1920. Estate collection of Dana Tauber. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain 80 - 85% orig blue thinning at breech ends from normal hand wear, silvered on sharp edges. Action retains approx 80% orig case hardening color, silvered on fences, sharp edges, and around bottom. Trigger guard retains over 30% of its color on bow, silver gray on tang. Forend latch shows color where protected. Stocks retain most of their orig finish with numerous light marks and scratches. Orig pad has been cleaned up. Checkering lightly worn at grip, considerably worn at rear portion of forend with denting and other damage on left side. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. A scarce little gun, factory records indicate a total of 152 "XE" 20 bores were made, nearly all in Philadelphia. 51980-25 MGM7 (12,500-17,500)