Value of a Grade B/C 12 Ga.

[aspeck]

I am new to this forum and have joined because a close friend of mine passed away. His widow came to me with one of his guns and asked me what it was worth. I was dumbfounded. I have been doing research and have found many interesting things about Fox SxS's, but this particular gun also has me confused. I am hoping some of you can help me with any information possible. As best I can tell this Fox is an A.H. Fox 12 ga. 28" barrel SxS, stamped B grade (but barrel engraving looks like C grade and the engraving on the case is not exactly like any of the pictures I have seen ... probably pre 1914?), serial number 21296. Knupp Fluid Steel bbl. Matching serial numbers. Metal and wood excellent (possibly reblued barrel, but unsure). Bore clean and not pitted. Can any of you experts give me a value for this... I have found prices all over the map. I want to make sure she knows what she has before she decides what she is going to do with it. She needs to be treated fairly. Thanks.

[Jeff S]

Sorry for the loss of your friend. He obviously had great taste in guns because that is one beautiful "C". If I were in your shoes, I would graciously offer her $4,000 and then spend some quality time in the woods remembering your old friend. There are many people on this forum that are sharper, and more knowledgeable than I am. Some may say more, some may say less. The bluing can turn off some people, others won't care. Let's see what they say. Once again, that is exceptionally nice wood. (JMO).

[aspeck]

Thanks. If I could afford it, I would. I am hoping she keeps it, but want her to be well informed in whatever she decides. The gun is tight ... there is no wiggle at all in the breech or the forearm. I have trouble believing it is a 100 plus year old gun! I am half it's age and not in nearly as good of shape! LOL!

[ROMAC]

I think you will wait a long time to see $4,000 from that gun.

For instance, the thumb lever, some screws and part of the forend latch have been blued, which should not be.

It has an after market recoil pad with white line spacers, not anybody's first choice.

The wood appears refinished.

It is an extractor gun. The market will give a premium for ejectors.

The most I have ever paid for a C is a bit less than your figure and mine was 100% original with great case color.

The B stamp adds confusion to the mix so you would probably want to get the card to see how it left the factory.

What does anybody else think?

Roger

[Jeff S]

Excellent comments Roger. I always forget to look for the ejectors. I'll have to remember to do that. By the way, I have had a lot of fun with the "A" that I bought from you. Thanks!

[Researcher]

You should join the A.H. Fox Collectors Association, Inc. and get a free production card look up. It would prove very interesting. While this is a very interesting gun, in my opinion, because of the improper refinishing it has a value in the marketplace about half that $4000 mentioned above. The top-lever, safety slide, triggers, screws, and pins should not be blued; and while the Deeley forearm latch should be blued in this vintage gun, it shouldn't be blued like that.

The checkering pattern on the wood is a B-Grade checkering pattern, and the wood is about what one would expect on a B-Grade of that vintage, a lot better then showed up on a lot of CE-Grades a decade or more later!!

[spyder]

B grade checkering and wood quality too (which is a plus, aesthetically). I have a redone Fox with a blued top lever. I guess it's done to give it an English look.

[Jeff S]

See what I mean? I told you these guys are sharper than me.

[aspeck]

You should join the A.H. Fox Collectors Association, Inc. and get a free production card look up. It would prove very interesting.

I sent off my application and check today ...

[jolly bill]

Aspeck, when you join the AHFCA you can get your free card look up.

Yes, it will be interesting to see what the card says for that gun.

Jolly

[thepalm0314]

My guess is a B grade with upgraded C engraving.

[Jeff S]

So aspect...... Where did you "land" on this one? Did you share a value with you friend's widow (keep it confidential), and more importantly, have you received a "card"? Was it "upgraded" to a "C" at the factory?

[aspeck]

I have shared a very wide ball park with my friend, but I am waiting for the confirmation of membership to apply for the card on the gun. That will help me know what value to shoot for. Sure do appreciate everyone's help. Just got back from Ghana in time to vote. Now bed time!

[aspeck]

So there you have it ... a B gun with C engraving requested. Manufactured in April of 1914. 28 in barrels were factory order.

So, with this info in hand, any changes in the value?

[Jeff S]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing that. Jeff