GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE AND RARE 16 GAUGE A. H. FOX (PHILADELPHIA) "XE" SHOTGUN WITH SCARCE 30" BARRELS AND SINGLE TRIGGER WITH FACTORY LETTER.A. H. FOXXE30108116GAMODERN; C&R; ESACal. 16 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 30" 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 Kautzky single selective trigger. Action is engraved in typical "X" style with pairs of birds; ducks on left and quail on right, surrounded by fields of oak leaf acanthus scroll. Matching 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, has SN on tang. Nicely mottled dense European walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 13-3/4" over leather faced Silver type pad. Side panels are checkered with arcaded front border, and grip checkering is of fancy pattern. Matching long and slim splinter ejector forend has inset schnabeled horn tip, and usual Fox Deeley type release. Bore diameter: left -.657, right - .666. Bore restrictions: left - .025 (full), right - .034 (full). Wall thickness: left - .040, right - .038. Drop at heel: 2-15/16", drop at comb: 1-11/16". Neutral cast. Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 13-3/4". PROVENANCE: Factory letter confirming specifications, and that the gun was shipped to Galef with no date given. Copies of two cards which exist for this gun, one stamped "Rush". Handwritten cover note from Roe S. Clark (Savage Arms historian). Estate collection of Dana Tauber. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbls retain 95 - 97% orig blue, most loss due to silvering on sides of rib, and a bit of thinning from normal hand wear. Bbl flats, extractors, cocking slide, and breech ends of bbls retain nearly all of their engine turning and damascening. Action retains over 90% orig case hardening color, silvered on high edges, thinning a bit on bottom. Thumbpiece of top lever is silvered. Trigger guard has thinning color on tang. Stocks retain nearly all their orig finish, with scattering of light nicks and dents. Some thinning of finish has occurred with installation of new pad. Checkering is dark and very lightly worn. Forend latch retains most of its color. Bores are excellent, bright and shiny throughout. Breechface shows very little evidence of ever being fired. Mechanically excellent. Ejectors are strong. Trigger works. Undoubtedly one of the finest "XE's" in existence. Factory records indicate that a total of 90 16 bores were made in this grade, 79 in Philadelphia. How many with 30" barrels? 51980-20 MGM6 (12,500-17,500)