New to me early A

[ROMAC]

I just recently picked up this early A grade Fox, serial # 12228 which based upon other posts I was able to deduce is circa 1909. I am new to this forum but not new to guns. Over the years I've had a few chances but never bought one until now.

Thought I'd share a few pictures.















It is nice and solid with no major issues to speak of, with 30 inch barrels that I think are full and full. I need to check on that as well as confirm the chamber length. Thanks for letting me share.

Roger

[birdawg]

Looks like one of those meth ads on TV.
Just this one time eh?

You have a fine start on a great passion shared by many here.
Good Luck and good shooting.

[Researcher]

Looks like a nice honest gun. I like the look of the wide rib on these earler guns and also like the reinfoced forearm loop. Though, knock on wood, I've not had a problem with any style Fox forearm loop.

Here is a oportunity to start list of "Earliest and Latest" like the PGCA boys have in their magazine of like the chronology that the L.C. Smith boys have started. I note you say this is a circa 1909 gun, and I agree with that. The A.H. Fox Gun Co. began extolling the Fox Proof in their 1908 "Campfire" catalogue, but I don't see a Fox Proof stamp on the barrel flats of this gun. What is the highest serial number we've seen without the Fox Proof stamp and the lowest with?

[ROMAC]

An early style A Number 12656 is for sale on Guns International at this time and it also does not have the Fox Proof stamped. The ad has some really clear pictures so there is no doubt.

[ASavageFox]

An early style A Number 12656 is for sale on Guns International at this time and it also does not have the Fox Proof stamped. The ad has some really clear pictures so there is no doubt.

That's interesting b/c I have 12395A and the barrels are clearly marked "Fox Proof" in the oval. Receiver flat is last patented dated Jan 16(? maybe 18) 1908

I also have CE 14814 w/ot he proof (but I will not swear 100% they were not filed off as this gun has been restored.

[NJdblgun]

Looks like a nice honest gun. I like the look of the wide rib on these earler guns and also like the reinfoced forearm loop. Though, knock on wood, I've not had a problem with any style Fox forearm loop.

I recently looked at an early B grade, very early, 1906, with no birds in the engraving. The foreend loop was loose, it could be pulled in and out from between the barrels, but did not wobble at all when seated down as it was meant to be. The forend wood was, in turn, loose on the gun. First time I've seen a problem with the foreend loop on a fox. Guess that was the reason for the experimentation in configuration we see. I wasnt sure how the loop could be fixed without hurting the integrity of the barrels and ribs, which seemed ok on the gun.

[ROMAC]

This gun is tighter than a tick. Luckily I do not have the problem you describe.