Ansley H. Fox “B” Grade 12 GA 30” Side By Side Shotgun 1909 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,750.00
LSB#: LSB251203TW003
Make: Ansley H. Fox
Model: “B” Grade, Early Style, 2nd Gen. Engraving
Serial Number: 14059
Year of Manufacture: 1909 / C&R
Gauge: 12 GA, 2 1/2″ Chambers (There is not a chamber marking but we are conservatively gauging 2 1/2 ” chamber because there are no Nitro Proof markings suggesting smokeless powder compatibility.)
Action Type: Break Action, Double Barrel, SxS Shotgun, Double Triggers
Markings: Both sides of the receiver are marked with “ANSLEY H. FOX” with bird, scrollwork and border engraving. The right barrel is marked “KRUPP FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL MADE BY” and the left barrel is marked with “MADE BY A.H. FOX GUN CO. PHILA. PA.” The lower tang is marked with the serial number “14059”. The water table is marked with the patent dates, serial number “14059” and the “B” model designation .
Barrel Length: 30”
Choke: Fixed. Both FULL (per our choke gauge)
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver bead sight on a wavy serrated rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks two piece hand checkered walnut with straight fluted comb, Rounded pistol grip, serrated hard rubber buttpad, and checkered splinter forend. There are a few scratches and compression marks on the buttstock with notable loss of finish from the leather buttstock cover. The checkering is sharp. There are minor scratches from handling and storage on the splinter forearm as well. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14″ and 13 1 /8” from the front of the triggers respectively to the rear back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as a C&R.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Colored Receiver
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bores are mirror bright and shiny. There is no erosion. There is only minimal streaky plastic-fouling present. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate about 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is operational wear on the locking lugs and chambers. The balance of the finish shows minimal thinning on the leading edges and handling and storage wear. There are some minimal scratches and handling marks. The case color on the receiver has faded slightly but colors are still visible. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition. The cap on the takedown leather case is coming unwound and one of the buckles is not attached.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. 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: Comes with a unique takedown period leather case and a leather buttstock cover with pad. The stitching on the cap of the leather case is coming apart.
Our Assessment: Founded in 1905 in Philadelphia by Ansley Herman Fox, the A.H. Fox Gun Company quickly rose to prominence during the golden age of American sporting arms. Fox shotguns were engineered with a focus on mechanical strength, simplicity, and elegant lines, utilizing a robust rotary bolt locking system and precision-machined components that minimized the need for excessive hand fitting. The company emphasized high-quality materials such as Krupp Fluid Compressed Steel barrels and well-figured American walnut stocks. Their graded gun system—from Sterlingworth field models through increasingly embellished grades like the B, C, and higher exhibition levels—offered sportsmen a range of options combining performance and tasteful engraving. Fox doubles earned a reputation for durability, excellent balance, and refined handling characteristics that continue to make them highly respected among collectors and upland hunters today.
This 1909 “B” Grade example features 30” barrels with FULL fixed chokes. The receiver displays classic bird, scroll, and border engraving consistent with early 2nd Generation B Grade styling, and the water table is correctly marked with patent dates, serial number 14059, and the “B” designation. The shotgun retains approximately 95% of its original blue finish with only minimal thinning at the leading edges and light operational wear at the locking lugs and chambers. The case colors have softened but remain visible, and the screw heads are sharp with clear markings throughout.
The mirror-bright bores show no erosion and only minimal streaky plastic fouling, rating 9.75/10 in this writer’s opinion. The two-piece hand checkered walnut stocks with straight fluted comb, rounded pistol grip, serrated hard rubber buttpad, and checkered splinter forend remain in Very Good condition, showing minor scratches and compression marks with some finish loss at the butt from a leather cover but no cracks or chips. The action functions as intended with solid lockup and crisp double triggers. Included is a unique period takedown leather case and leather buttstock cover, adding to the shotgun’s presentation and collector appeal. Overall, this Ansley H. Fox “B” Grade rates in Fine condition as a C&R eligible classic American side-by-side. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF