Early Serial Number on Graded Fox

NJdblgun · Post by **NJdblgun** » Sat May 10, 2008 9:59 am

I have a fairly simple question for the knowledgable here. I was looking at an early Fox advertised on AuctionArms (#8600401; closes 5/11/08). The serial number is 1452. Did Ansley start at 1 with his serial numbers? Looking at the serial number table linked to this site, it looks like production in the first year was several thousand guns, and then dropped off in the following years. Also, is the advertised gun an A Grade; how to tell from the pictures?

Silvers · Post by **Silvers** » Sat May 10, 2008 12:11 pm

I don't know the answer to your first question on the serial number sequence. Second question on the grade; the gun is definitely an early A grade as can be seen from the pic of the frame. I spotted this gun a few days ago and had some thoughts. The stock looks a little too shiny and has been possibly refinished? Maybe it's the camera flash? There is a modern pad shown in the one pic. Also, check out the pic of the trigger guard tail bluing, it's well scratched, and the other pic of the barrel breeches that shows the blue is a little too nice in comparison. IC and Mod chokes might be right but usually 30 inch guns had tighter choking. Also, the description where it refers to "Crumpt" barrels and "leg of musin" case got me a little turned off too. It might be worth writing to the seller to check it out further. I guess it depends on what you are looking for. Silvers

Researcher · Post by **Researcher** » Sat May 10, 2008 2:47 pm

The answer is yes. The A.H. Fox Gun Co. began at serial number 1. I've seen pictures of serial number 2, and I've handled 8, 35, and 75, and several with three digit serial numbers.

Not many production cards survive for serial numbers below about 7000. My gut feeling is that those got tossed when the A.H. Fox Gun Co. moved from their original digs at Wayne & Bristol Streets, into the factory that was originally built for Philadelphia Arms Co. at North 18th and Windrim, in late 1906.

NJdblgun · Post by **NJdblgun** » Sat May 10, 2008 6:49 pm

Thanks for the replies. I thought the stock maybe a replacment, or at least refinished, both because of the finish and the new pad. I didnt pick up on the possible rebluing though. The chokes also make me wonder as Researcher noted. The seller put in a telephone number, I may call or more info. Thanks for the information on the serial numbers, that helps if I come across any other very low numbered guns, too bad the records are gone.

NJdblgun · Post by **NJdblgun** » Sun May 11, 2008 11:11 am

I just realized that Birdawg has SN 182 C Grade pictures posted on the site. Beautiful gun and excellent pictures!