A.H. Fox Model A Grade 12 GA 28″ SxS Double Barrel Shotgun MFD 1909 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1338.13
LSB#: 220106JK005
Make: A.H. FOX
Model: A Grade
Serial Number: 8544A
Year of Manufacture: 1909 (https://doublegunshop.com/dgsnos1.htm)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Top-Break Side by Side with Extractor
Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “KRUPP FLUID STEEL MADE BY” and the top of the left barrel is marked “A.H. FOX GUN CO. PHILA. PA.”. Both sides of the receiver are marked “ANSLEY H. FOX”. The water table is marked with the serial number and “PAT’D AUG. 1 1905 / OCT. 17 1905 – JAN. 16 1906”. The bottom tang is marked “8544”. The forend iron is marked “8544”. The barrel flat is marked “8544”. The bottom of both barrels is marked “H-FLUID-STEEL-KRUPP”. The receiver has grade A engraving.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Improved Modified, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is serrated to reduce glare.
Weight: 7 lb., 12 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth walnut set with beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and aftermarket rubber buttpad. There are cracks on both sides of the forend at the rear. The buttstock fit is shy to the tangs and receiver. The wrist has a few little repairs surrounding the top tang. There are that look like a few repairs on the bottom of the forend surrounding the forend iron. There are some scattered scuffs, compressions, and a few little marks through the finish. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ and 13 3/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad, 13 3/4″ and 12 7/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has some scattered light wear. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/4″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its new metal finish. There are scattered areas of erosion under the finish. The most noticeable areas of erosion are scattered on the receiver, both barrels at the front, bottom of the left barrel at the forend, and forend iron. There are some spots of oxidation, the most noticeable are on the top of the right chamber and trigger guard. There are a few little nicks into the finish. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are visible, some are worn and light due to being refinished. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock-up to the receiver with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our 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 1909, 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. This one has been refinished but has great bores and the action is spot on, this would be a perfect shotgun to take to the range or go hunting with. Please see our photos and good luck!