A.H. Fox Model A Grade Pre-Savage 12 GA 28" IM/M Double Barrel Shotgun, MFD Ca. 1910Our Assessment: Ansley Fox was one of the earliest American innovators with internal hammer double guns. In 1894, at the age of 19, he was issued a patent on a system of cocking the internal hammers of a break-action gun using leverage from the barrels with his design actually containing nineteen patentable features, according to the U.S. Patent office. Fox would continue on, making it his life's work to produce "The finest gun in the world" (as well as the finest car in the world and a few other manufacturing ventures). He even gained the praise of Theodore Roosevelt who wrote to Mr. Fox in a letter "The double-barreled shotgun has come, and I really think it is the most beautiful gun I have ever seen. I am exceedingly proud of it. I am almost ashamed to take it to Africa and expose it to the rough usage it will receive. But now that I have it, I could not possibly make up my mind to leave it behind. I am extremely proud that I am to have such a beautiful bit of American workmanship with me". The A.H. Fox Gun Co. would continue producing shotguns of various grades and chambered for various gauges through the late 1920s, when they fell victim to the Great Depression and were acquired by Savage Arms. This example is a 12 gauge A Grade, produced in 1910, quite early for an A.H. Fox. Today, A.H. Fox shotguns are quite collectible. As Fox's reputation was built on quality, their success didn't necessarily mean that a huge number of guns were made. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
Make: A.H. Fox
Model: A Grade SxS
Serial Number: 13106
Year of Manufacture: 1910
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Side by Side Double Barrel Shotgun
Markings: Standard A.H. Fox markings
Barrel Length: 28"
Choke: The left barrel measures Improved Modified, Fixed. The right barrel measures Improved Cylinder, Fixed.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead fixed to the rib above the muzzle. The top of the rib is serrated to help reduce glare.
Weight: 7 lbs, 9.1 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece checkered walnut featuring a splinter forend, a semi-pistol grip, a fluted straight comb and a hard rubber buttplate. There is a hairline crack at the top tang. There are scattered areas of finish loss and thinning. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, and compressions. There is a chip loss at the toe. The LOP measures 13 7/8" and 13" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The drop at the comb is 1 5/8". The drop at the heel is 2 5/8". The cast is neutral. The stocks are in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are gray. There is persistent fouling, erosion and pitting in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 6 or 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The rib has separated at the muzzle. The left muzzle is slightly bent. There are scattered spots of oxidation and scabbing. There are some areas of pitting and erosion, most noticeable on the muzzles and frame at the breeches. There are areas of patina. There are some scattered little marks through the finish. The bottom rib is bent toward the front. The screw heads are well-defined. The markings are legible. The forend iron, barrel flat and water table are serial-matching. Overall, this shotgun is in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup is tight with no play to the receiver. This shotgun has an auto-safety and extractor. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
SHOTGUNS