GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
UNUSUAL FOX "XE" SHOTGUN WITH DEEPLY CUT ENGRAVING WITH CALLAHAN LETTER. A.H. FOX SXS XE 22490 12GA MODERN; C&R; ESA Cal. 12 ga. 3" Chambers. 32" Bbls are stamped "Krupp Fluid Steel" and "MADE BY A. H. FOX GUN CO. PHILA. PA " on tops either side of slightly raised, matted rib, with front ivory bead. Breech ends are engraved with second generation "X" grade 2" triangles of large shaded scroll and acanthus. Bbl flats are stamped with SN, grade, and Fox proof. Case hardened action features automatic safety (SAFE engraved), and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with near full coverage bold open scrolling acanthus which surrounds vignettes of snipe on left, and grouse on right. The engraving on the sides of this gun is exceptionally deep. Fences are also acanthus engraved. "ANSLEY H. FOX" is over each bird scene. Bottom of action depicts a bushy tailed fox within oval border. Trigger plate is engraved with more acanthus scroll, but not as deep as action. Trigger guard has more scroll flanking vacant shield. SN is on tang. Very finely figured and well marbled dense European walnut pistol grip buttstock measures 13-3/4" over ribbed composition buttplate. Pistol grip ends in an ogee flourish instead of being capped. Side panels are checkered and checkering at grip is of modified point pattern in two sections separated by ribbons. Typical high grade Fox extra long splinter forend with inset schnabeled ebony tip, is checkered to match buttstock. Interior of iron is engraved with patent dates. Bore diameter: left -.727, right - .727. Bore restrictions: left - .034 (full), right - .021 (mod). Wall thickness: left - .032, right - .030. Drop at heel: 2-1/2", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Cast about 1/4" on. Weight: 7 lbs. 4 oz. LOP: 13-3/4". PROVENANCE: Callahan letter giving specifications from orig build card and stating gun was originally built with single selective trigger. (It appears gun was returned to factory for new trigger plate and trigger guard at some time.) Estate collection of Dana Tauber. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain nearly all of a well done rust re-blue, over some light scratches and marks, with subsequent silvering on rib. Action retains 70 - 80% orig color, silvered and thinned on fences and beads, considerably lightened on bottom of action (color was never very strong.). Trigger guard retains nearly all of what appears to be its orig blue with some small rust stains. Stocks retain most of their orig hand rubbed oil finish with a number of light marks and compressions. Checkering lightly worn. Bores are very fine to excellent, very lightly frosted. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. 51980-13 MGM109 (8,000-12,000)