NEW MEMBER QUESTION

[nhshooter]

As someone newly interested in Fox Shotguns, I was pleased to find this forum to help educate myself on Fox guns. I apologize up front on this "newby" question. It probably has been asked many times before, but here goes. I was at a gunshow this past weekend, and saw a few Fox Sterlingworths, but a 16 gauge, 28" barrel Philly gun caught my eye, as I love 16 gauge guns. To the best of my recollection, the dealer said the gun was manufactured around 1916 or so. The gun has no case colors left, but the barrel blue and stock were in pretty good, 75% or so original condition, according to the dealer. There is a very well repaired crack in the wrist of the stock, which shows a bit, but appears to be very tight. The gun locks up very well, and the action is tight. Chambers are 2 9/16th, according to the dealer, and it is choked M/F. His asking price is $1340. I was very tempted to buy the gun, but just lacked any reference to the price vs the model and condition. I think I will see the gun at the next gunshow as I do not think it sold this past weekend. I know it is hard to place a value on a particular gun with this type of limited information and w/o pictures, but can I get an educate guess on what a fair price might be on this gun? Anything I can find out would be most appreciated, thanks.

[Silvers]

Welcome to the forum. I routinely see Philly and Utica 16 SW's in decent shape, without stock issues, selling for $1200. to $1500. here in PA. In fact what appears to be a nice SW Deluxe 16 on one of the on-line auction sites, just sold last evening for a few cents over $1000 - but I think that was an exceptional deal. High condition collector-quality guns will, of course, command much higher pricing. Just yesterday at a Gun Show I saw a Philly 16 SW with moderate hunting wear but no stock issues, with an asking price of $1400.

Just so you know, Foxes for sale/wanted may be advertised on our private Members Forum which is "enabled" if you are a paid annual or life member. I hear often from members who much prefer to buy from another, known member - rather than thru an on-line auction with chancy circumstances at times. Silvers

[nhshooter]

Silvers- Thanks for the reply and welcome. I will continue to keep my eyes open, and will join the association.