GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
SPECIAL ORDER FOX "XE" PIGEON SHOTGUN MADE FOR W. R. ROSEBRUGH (FIRST EVER MADE) WITH FACTORY LETTER.A. H. FOXXE1922512GAMODERN; C&RCal. 12 ga. 2-5/8" Chambers. 30" Bbls with broad matted pigeon rib are marked "Krupp Fluid Steel Made By" "A. H. Fox Gun Co. Phila PA" on tops. There are 1-1/2" triangles of rudimentary oak leaves at breech ends. Bbl flats are stamped with SN, grade, and Fox proof. Case hardened action features automatic safety, and dbl triggers. Engraving was obviously special ordered, and is different from that usually found on Fox guns, and consists of 70% coverage varying sized scroll within scrolling borders. Side panels of action are engraved in small scroll in the area where game scenes are usually found. "ANSLEY H. FOX" is on each side above and to the rear of fine scroll lozenge. Bottom of action portrays a pigeon perched on a stump in wooded background. Per factory letter, the name "W. R. Rosebrugh" is in gold on scroll engraved trigger guard bow. SN is on tang. Nicely streaked and well figured European walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 14-5/8" over Silver type pad. Side panels are checkered and checkering at grip is of typical point pattern. Matching splinter ejector forend has Deeley type release. Bore diameter: left -.726, right - .727. Bore restrictions: left - .035 (full), right - .036 (full). Wall thickness: left - .029, right - .030. Drop at heel: 2-3/4", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Cast off slightly. Weight: 7 lbs. 6 oz. LOP: 14-5/8". PROVENANCE: Factory letter confirming specifications, including "D" grade stock checkering, special "X" grade engraving, and gold inlay on trigger guard, and that the gun was shipped Feb 22, 1912 to Marshall - Wells, Canada "W. R. Rosebrugh". Estate collection of Dana Tauber. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of orig blue, with some minor marks and thinning at breech ends. Orig damascening on flats is good. There are some electric pencil marks on bottom of left bbl where covered by forend. Action retains 60 - 70% orig case hardening color, silvered on sharp edges, fences, and bottom of action. Trigger plate retains most of its color, as does trigger guard, which is silvered considerably at grip. Stocks retain essentially all of a very well done hand rubbed oil refinish, with a few subsequent light marks. Checkering nicely re-cut. Bores are very fine to excellent, with a hint of frosting, mostly in right bbl, along with one or two very light pings. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. Mainspring of right bbl sounds a bit weak. Very few of these high grade guns were made. 51980-17 MGM8 (10,000-15,000)