A.H. Fox - what have I got here??

[horse_men]

I just recieved an A. H Fox 12 ga. SxS that is in rough shape. It looks like someone has cut down the barrels at some time. They currently measure 29 3/4" long and it looks like someone tried to solder a nail between the barrels for a makeshift bead at some point. The butt stock is missing and somene has tried to strip the front stock as well. The bluing is gone, the engarving is there but is worn. The serial # is 9736 A and matches on all of the parts. The action opens and the triggers/safety are functional. Can anyone tell me how how old this may be, if it has any value, or if it can be usd for parts?? I know that A. H Fox shotguns are quite desirable but I fear that whoever had their paws on this one may have wrecked her beyond help... See pictures for actual condition.

 

[straightshooter]

I'm at work and don't have access to my date of manufacture reference material. But it's a safe bet that this gun was manufactured in the early 1900's. Ansley H. Fox's double guns are an interesting fusion of European and American influences, leaning more toward the European "best" gun model. They were solidly built, well balanced and regulated, and great effort was expended toward fit and finish. Even the lowest grades offered by Fox were of decent quality. So much so that Fox wasn't very profitable and the make petered out. (The Fox brand was acquired by Savage and the Fox model B was produced - not to be confused with an A.H. Fox grade B. The Savage Fox model B is not based on the Fox design at all, but is simply a gussied up Savage 311.)

In good condition, original A.H. Fox guns are moderately valuable. Sadly, the work required to bring yours back to it's original glory would cost more than the gun would return upon sale. To restore it would be a noble mission, but shouldn't be undertaken with any expectation of financial reward.

 

[gunsaholic]

The way you would get the highest price is to sell the forearm wood and iron seperately on ebay. The rest of the gun won't bring $50.00. I have a nice AE ejector Fox from 1913 that I can't get $600.00 for.

 

[horse_men]

Thanks for the information, kind of what I had thought. If anyone is looking for parts or can use this let me know.