Please note that registering for the Fox Collectors Forum does not
mean you are a member of the AH Fox Collectors Association. Paying members of
the AH Fox Collectors Association have access to a private forum where Fox guns
are bought and sold, Newsletters are archived, and many more interesting topics
about Fox guns are discussed by knowledgeable collectors. In addition AHFCA has
copies of all the available factory production cards for graded guns.
Members may obtain a copy of a card on an individual gun. Each member receives
one free card look up per year and then a $25.00 fee applies. To obtain
membership information please click on the Fox Image below.
To view a sample of
a factory card click on the card below
Fox Collectors
The Fox Collectors forum was founded in 2006 to stimulate interest in the history and production of Fox shotguns. We believe you will enjoy our forum and learn more about the rich history of Fox shotguns.
NO ITEMS MAY BE POSTED FOR SALE ON THIS FORUM or direct references to items for sale. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: A personal item that’s obviously for sale or would appear to be for sale; or if a link is posted to some other site where the item is for sale. Please note that references to items posted elsewhere are ok for discussion as long as a direct link is not included. Any "Wanted to Buy" posts are not allowed and will be removed. The moderators will delete any posts that are deemed offensive, abusive or slanderous in nature. Commercial operations or businesses may not advertise nor appear to advertise their products or services, either directly, or indirectly by a second party, except for simple reference as a source for such products or services
If Mr. Bielin passed in 1991 (1992 per McIntosh), then it's possible that he was still doing independent work on Fox Shotguns in 1983. Can anyone confirm that he was in business and repairing (replacing parts and refinishing) Fox shotguns in 1983?
Bird, not sure about 1983 date. I bought most of my parts and some unfinished guns from his widow through a friend that lived near her. He had a basement workshop and another building or two full of parts i was told. Before Mitzi died he instructed her not to sell all the parts and equipment to one company but to spread them out when sold. He had the Fox rib matting machine. Bobby
What else do we know about what happened to these "buildings full of parts"? Norman Strebe also told me that when he bought Fox parts from Savage, they were delivered in tractor trailers. I never even saw Norman's guns come on the market, much less the parts. Norman had only showed me his guns a couple at a time, but he told me he had eighty Foxes. That's not a lot in today's world of play money, but it was a lot in the sixties and seventies.
Mitzie Bielen after he retired from Savage Arms, continued to repair , re-stock , fit barrels etc from his workshop in the cellar of his home. He bought all the remaining parts , wood, barrels , fixtures and waht he needed to continue what he did at Savage. JLRSBJ
Thanks again. How about years of independent operation? Could he have performed work that someone is claiming to me he did in 1983? There is paperwork, but I am curious and confirming.
I was told that the matting machine was promised to Lefever but if they ever got it before they went out of business i do not know. Man told me first time he went into Mitzie's shop in 70s that there were hundreds of complete forends scattered around! Bobby