Age and Restoration Questions

[jdub]

First time here and knowledge of older shotguns very limited. Trying to determine when 12 ga was made and get insight on restoration. Sorry in advance for butchering the language....Serial number on arm (wood part underneath barrel is 16552. Also says Pat'd August 18, 1904 May 11, 1909. Top of Barrel says "KRUPP FLUID STEEL MADE BY A H FOX GUN CO PHILA PA". Underneath barrel says "FLUID STEEL KRUPP ESSEN 3". When you snap barrels open, the flat part underneath shows serial number again 16552 and what looks like a B.

Appears in pretty good shape but needs to be cleaned. What is best for cleaning inside barrell and outside parts. I dont want to put somthing on it that may damage it.

thanks,

[Researcher]

Sounds like you have a BE-Grade of about 1910 vintage. The Aug. 16, 1904, and May 11, 1909, are patent dates for automatic ejectors, so that is why I suggest your gun is a BE-Grade. The only way to know for sure when your gun was made/shipped would be to order a letter on your gun from the Savage historian. For $40 Graded or $30 Sterlingworth (last prices I've seen quoted) you can get a factory letter on most any Ansley H. Fox shotgun (Philadelphia or Utica) from

John T. Callahan
Arms Historian
P.O. Box 82
Southampton, MA 01073.

The information exists on the factory work-order cards, probably 85+% of which still exist. Send him the complete serial number and a check, and he can do the rest. That would tell you the specifications of the gun when it left the factory.

Here is the B-/BE-Grade from a catalogue of about that era --



I'll leave it to the more enlightened to suggest how to go about cleaning the gun. It might be best to have it looked at by an expert before you do anything. Let us know what part of the country you live in and perhaps we can suggest someone.

[jdub]

Many thanks Researcher. Presently in NC, but travel southeast US.

Best regards,

[paulw]

ok hi i am new to this sight i recently have aquired an ansley h fox dbl barrel came with 2 sets of barrels and 2 forearms numbered and all. it is a 12ga. both barrels i think its a grade a by the stamps on it but i need someones help please you can contact me on here or call me 304-679-4530 i can text u pics not sure how to on here i would appreciate the help thank you

[TOOL MAN]

Paul,

If you would like to email some pics to me I can post on the site for you. Pictures will help us immensely in offering comments/advice on your Fox. My email is: cambo6789@gmail.com