Early B grade

[Mylin73]

I have been reading the forums on this site for about 5 years now and just can't seem to get enough fox info. Thanks to all who share an amazing wealth of knowledge that I'm sure has taken decades to learn. That being said, I'm in need of some additional information regarding my latest fox purchase. It's a B grade, serial number 1223 and from what I've been reading it seems as though info on these early guns is pretty scarce. I've gotten factory letters for other guns, but understand no records exist for these early treasures, correct? Any guesses as to year of production? It's a 12 guage with Krupp barrels that measure 27 5\8" (which is a little concerning, but they don't appear to have been cut and both seem to be choked modified when measured with my crude guage.). The right barrel has the Krupp steel stamping, but the right is missing the A.H. Fox, Philadelphia stamp, has no markings at all. Both barrels have the Krupp fluid steel markings on the underside though. Thoughts or concerns on the barrels? I know pictures would be helpful but haven't figured all that out yet. Thanks in advance for any info provided and thanks again for all who share their knowledge everyday on this site.

[Researcher]

The working theory at this time is that the early guns, serial numbers 1 to 3000, were the guns produced, or at least started into production, in 1905 and 06, when the A.H. Fox Gun Co. was at Wayne & Bristol Streets.





Hang tag pictures courtesy of Jay Shachter.

1905 Finest Gun in the World catalogue page 18 --



It appears that the A.H. Fox Gun Co. started their new production at North 18th Street & Windrim Avenue at about serial number 7000.

1906-07 Finest Gun in the World catalogue page 18 --



If you can't figure out how to post pictures, you can send them to AHFCA@comcast.net and I'll post them.

[Mylin73]

Thanks for the reply Researcher. I knew this was an early gun but didn't realize just how early. Am I correct with my assumption that a factory letter would not be available for this particular gun? Hope to take some photos this weekend and see about getting them posted, thanks for offer to help with that as well if I get stuck.

[Researcher]

Only nine cards survive for serial numbers below 9648, and those are for cut outs and an office sample CE-Grade 9226. No card for 1223.

[Mylin73]

Much appreciated, although disappointing. Thanks again for the help. I need to quit dragging my feet and join the organization, seems like money well spent.

[Mylin73]

Well, I've been working on trying to get some decent pictures and setting up a photobucket account. The account part was easier than taking good photos, very difficult to get the lighting right. Anyway, there's lots of room for improvement here but I'm going with what I've got so far. I'm trying to paste the link to the photos, first attempt here so not sure if it's going to work out. Any thoughts as to why the left barrel stamp is missing? <iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://s296.photobucket.com/user/mmylin ... "></iframe>

[Mylin73]

Apparently didn't work...... Second attempt to follow at another time

[Mylin73]

Attempt #2 at photo link"http://s296.photobucket.com/user/mmylin ... "></iframe>

[Stan Hillis]

Here's how I do it, Mylin:


To post pictures: First upload your pictures into a hosting account. I use photobucket.com to do this. Start your post on here, or any other site, then open a new tab. Go to photobucket and click on the picture you want to post here. When the big image of it comes up in your screen there will be several "addresses" in a box to the right of the picture. Click on the bottom one. This is the URL address, and it will have IMG to the left of it. It will fade away and briefly say "copied". Now, go back to your other tab, where you began your post, put your cursor where you want the picture, and paste it there. On a Mac you will hold down "command", then hit "c" to copy. Then, hold down "command", and hit "v" to paste. The long address for the picture will appear on your post, but when you preview it you will see the picture itself.


SRH

[Researcher]

[Researcher]

I took one of your links above which got me to the slide show and from there I could get to the individual pictures, but the "mobile" links were different than I'm use to in my photobucket.com account, but copying the "Direct" link and pasting it between seems to work.

The early-style forearm loop, which had a propensity to break loose, appears to have been resoldered to the barrels and in that operation the short rib between the barrel lug and the forearm loop is missing.

[Researcher]

[Mills]

That is a sweet Fox!

[eightbore]

A B without birds. Interesting. I love the early ones.

[Mylin73]

Thanks for the help with the pictures Researcher. I think it probably would be a bit easier if I were using a PC, but only use one (on an as needed basis) at work. From home I'm trying to do this on a tablet which seems to make things a bit more challenging. I noticed the missing rib when I previewed the gun before buying it at auction, also the terrible, ill fitting but pad. But since I rarely see a B come up for sale I was willing to deal with some issues if the price was right. Ended up at $660 with the buyers premium so I can put some money into doing a little work. All other B's I've seen pictures of have the birds as Eightbore mentioned so I was a little nervous about that as well, but I'm learning nothing is set in stone when it comes to these great guns. Again, thanks all for the help and information.