2573

$17,825.00

*LOVELY AND VERY RARE 20 GAUGE A.H. FOX (PHILADELPHIA) “DE” GRADE WITH EXTRA BARRELS.

SN 202030. (ca 1924) Cal. 20 ga. 2-1/2″ Chambers. This gun has 28″ Chromox bbls and is so marked on tops, along with Fox name and Philadelphia address. These bbls are fitted with narrow, matted game rib, and have 2-1/2″ triangles of large unshaded scroll at breech ends. SN and grade are engraved on bbl flats, which are also stamped “FOX PROOF”. Bbls are also stamped “4” (Striking weight). A second set of 26″ bbls (“2” weight) have been fitted to this gun by Niccola DiGualielmo of the old Westchester Gun Works. They are also marked “Chromox” and with Philadelphia address. They have been engraved and renumbered to match this gun, and are fitted with Briley thin wall chokes. Case hardened action features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), and double triggers. Action is engraved with large scrolling acanthus with stippled backgrounds, and has griffin heads on fences, and a setter on bottom. There are oval scenes of game birds on sides of action; snipe on left, and quail on right, along with “ANSLEY H. FOX” in banners. Matching trigger guard has central shield on bow gold inlaid with “F” in script. SN is on tang. Beautifully marbled and nicely flame figured circassian walnut Fox capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4″ over Silver type pad. Side panels are checkered, and grip is checkered in fancy scallop pattern, as typical on “D” grade guns. Matching long splinter ejector forend has inset schnabeled ebony tip, and Deeley type release. Michael McIntosh in A. H. FOX THE FINEST GUN IN THE WORLD, estimates that 49 20-bores of this grade were made in Philadelphia. 28″ Orig BBLS: Bore diameter: left -.615, right -.615. Bore restrictions: left -.013 (mod), right -.009 (Imp Cyl). Minimum wall thickness: left -.028, right -.028. Drop at heel: 3″, drop at comb: 1-11/16″. Weight: 5 lbs 12 oz. LOP: 14-1/4″. 26″ BBLS: Bore diameter: left -.623, right -.623. Bore restrictions: screw chokes. Minimum wall thickness: left -.035, right -.037. Drop at heel: 2-15/16″, drop at comb: 1-9/16″. Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz. LOP: 14-1/4″. PROVENANCE: Accompanied by a copy of the original A.H. Fox built card for order 8396 for John Sinnott-Philadelphia, requesting triggers be set to fire in reverse, left-front/right-rear and weight 5 3/4 pounds or less. CONDITION: Excellent, as professionally restored. Bbls retain nearly all of an old brownish re-black over some light pits and marks, engraving slightly softened. Second set of bbls are also re-blacked. Action retains over 85 – 90% case colors, engraving remains sharp and clear. Stocks retain nearly all of a hand rubbed oil finish over some old light marks, and a few subsequent light marks, checkering competently refreshed. Bores of both sets are excellent, with a few very small light pits in orig bbls. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Second bbl set fits well. Ejectors are very slightly out of time. 4-54068 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2573

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Auction: Firearms - March 2015

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Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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