Early A grade - comparison

[ironman5]

Haven't felt like I could add anything to the "fox collectors forum" because I didn't own a collection of fox-es. I now own 2 early a-grades 10812 28" Imp/Mod 12b that I pheasent hunt with and my new one is 17901 30" Mod/x-full 12b that has been feeding the same Alaskan family since ordered. The family's photo album showed the gun in several dated pictures doing it's intended purpose. I've asked for copies to keep with the gun - they'll go good with the original leg-o-mutton case that has been with it since new as well. The second gun has some of the most beautiful wood I have ever seen and other than the buttplate I feel it is in original excellent condition in every way.

I have examined other a-grades seperatly, but never right next to each other. Now that I am looking closely at 2 side by side - I can see subtle differences in the engraving as well as the checkering patterns. How many different people worked on these early a-grades? When you examine guns seperately - the differences don't stand out. Is there a way to tell who engraved these early guns? Are there any signature traits that each worked into thier patterns? OR were there not many engravers and they just left off/added things at thier own discretion? Even though guns are several years apart, the patterns are very similar - just not exact. Might be a dumb observation. Also would the XX-wood have been an upgrade or just his lucky day when he ordered the gun? I've heard that some of the early a-grades had some of the best wood going at the time - did they just have a run of great blanks at the factory or was this by design?

Thanks in advance - Lloyd

[fox-admin]

One of the interesting things about early Fox guns is the slight variation in engraving from gun to gun in the same grade. We have no idea how many people worked on the early A grades or have any records of engravers. I have made a study of C grade guns from the early time period and can identify at least two different engravers from the engraving style and depth of cut. The engraving from the early period has more individual variation than later guns.
Wood from the early period is outstanding in most cases across all the gauges, some A grade guns have C grade wood. Since 99% of A grades were made for stock it is unlikely upgraded wood was ordered, the Fox factory just used nice wood maybe as a marketing tool. Guns in the 17000-18000 serial number range have some very nice wood from my observations.
Most Fox collectors feel the early A is the best bargain in vintage American classic guns from a cost to quality standpoint.
Consider joining the AHFCA, our newsletter is loaded with interesting stuff for the collector.

[ironman5]

Thanks for the response. I would have to agree that the early a-grades seem like a bargain when it comes to vintage American classics. They have certainly given me an appreciation for fit and finish. In my area most can be bought for under $1000 (some a little more, most considerably less) and in today's market of doubleguns - a grand doesn't get you that much.

I personally like the slight variations in the engraving (makes you feel like yours is one-of-a-kind). Did I read the post correctly - 99% of a-grades were made for stock. Does that mean you would have ordered an a-grade with 30" barrels, choked m/x-full and they would just go back and pull one off of the rack and ship it to you? This is interesting as I envisioned a different process.

[fox-admin]

Most A grades were made in very large batches especially before the Sterlingworth was offered. It is our belief if an order came in from a dealer they were simply shipped from stock in most cases.