New guy with questions

[mooch]

I came across 3 old guns I am thinking of buying as a package from the seller. 2 are fox and one parker. I must confess I probably dont know enough about collecting old guns but i want to start. I have been reading on the forum what to look for in terms of originality, refinishing etc.. The two fox guns are SN 198**C and 213**B. I am assuming the ltters B and C are the grade? One of the two has very short barrels. The parker is grade G SN 1912**. Any ideas on what these are worth if in lets say 80% shape. I am going to go back today to look closer at them but they all seemed original, the bluing is pretty good and the actions seem tight. I just dont want to get screwed because i dont know enough about these guns.

thanks

[eightbore]

To get any idea of value and exactly what you have, you must post pictures or at least email them for posting to a cooperative reader. If you had the guns in your possession, we would probably recommend that you give us your approximate location so we could send you to an AHFCA member for advice. Just how short are your barrels? If you post the serial numbers, you may get some help, at least on the Parker. There is a book that tells the original configuration of many Parkers, not all, by serial number. AHFCA offers a letter service to members.

[George Lander]

Eightbore gave you good advice. A B & C Grade are higher grades and normally very desirable Fox guns. A lot depends on the condition, gauge and originality. The Parker G Grade is one grade above field grade. If the barrels are Damascus it is worth a lot less than if they are fluid steel. The Fox guns were only made with fluid steel. How much is the asking price for the three? If they're cheap enough you may want to go ahead IMHO.

Best Regards, George

[ASavageFox]

second gen B grades are pretty rare, and Cs are always desirable... after C there is a pretty good premium jump in cost per grade... C provide nice, basic full coverage, engraving for a reasonable price.

The other solution is to make a deal pending a professional inspection... some one like Dewey Vicknair provides this for around $150-175 a gun (can't recall his exact cost)... he will tell you if the guns are legit or not... a cost that is well worth it as good "insurance"

Otherwise, as stated before... many, good quality pics of all sides would help but there is a LOT that pics can not show that could effect value... bore condition, rib tight, bore honed, chokes, LOP, drop, etc...

These guns combined could be worth as little as $1000 (maybe less) to probably pushing $10,000...

[mooch]

Thanks for all the replies. I did some research and the parker has been refinished and probably not what i am looking for. The grade C has 26" barrels, 12 gauge and overall seems original, does not look to be refinished, has original butt plate, and most of the bluing is still on the barrels. Here are a few phone pics of it, I didnt have a better camera with me:



The grade B has 30" barrels, 12 gauge, and is pretty much stock but the butt plate is not, has double triggers:






Both have the same forearm. any further ideas on value.

[ASavageFox]

if the C grade barrels are not cut... you got the makin' of a very nice gun... condition looks great and SST are desirable assuming it functions properly... if the trigger is messed up... it could cost A LOT to fix. If its completely legit, its a $4-6k in my book...

How long are the barrels on the B? It appears to have a replaced forearm... or I assume replaced b/c it appears to be a beavertail and base on serial, its VERY unlikely to be original.

[mooch]

the c has a single trigger, the b has 30" barrels with the double trigger. I will try and get a few pics of the both guns whole so you can see the stocks and forends. I dont think the c barrels have been cut, when looking at them from end on they are touching in the middle, I assumed if they were cut they would be separated. I really appreciate any help.

[fox-admin]

The CE looks very fine. The serial number indicates it may be one of the last first generation engraving C's The highest serial number I have recorded of a early style C is 19493. I would appreciate it you would post the full serial number or PM me.

[birdawg]

The C looks to be a screamer and should bring a very good price if it all checks out.