Questions about Recently Inherited 20 Gauge

[MDFlLA]

I’ve recently inherited this shotgun and a few others the original owner was my great grandfather. I’ve been reading through the forum, and this seems to be a knowledgeable friendly group. So, I thought I would ask a few questions.

I believe it's an A. H. Fox A Grade Late Style Engraving 20 Ga. Side by Side. The SN# appears to be 202202 A.

I've seen a similar Fox A Grade 20 Ga. with a serial number within 200 units of mine it was claimed that the was manufactured in 1926 so I'm guessing mine probably was too.

I grew up surfing and don’t know the first thing about shotguns. What do I have, was any of my research correct? Were they considered good guns at the time it was made? How well does it appear to have held up over the years? I’m interested in anything someone wants to share as this is a good chance to learn a little about my great grandfather as well.
Thank you all for any help and if I’ve violated any rules let me know so I can correct.

[Stan Hillis]

Welcome, MDFILA (surfer ). You're at the right place to learn about your g-grandfather's gun. It appears from your pics to be a very nice example of an A grade AH Fox gun, made in Philadelpiia (which is, for the most part, desirable among most knowledgeable Fox guys). It has the late style A grade engraving. If all the finishes are original it is in above average condition. The top lever appears to be right of center, which is good indicator that it hasn't been used excessively, and has been properly cared for along the way.

That is really a cool serial number, IMO. I would feel extremely fortunate were I you to own my g-grandfather's gun, and especially a small bore Fox. They are just special, for many reasons. Thank you for sharing it with us. If you care to, you could join our organization for a minimal fee and request an order card for your gun which may tell you more about it, such as where it was shipped to when it left the Fox factory, and exactly when that was. Sometimes there is extra info that is most interesting, but there's no guarantee of that. Good on you for coming here to find out more about his gun.

Congratulations, SRH

[Jeff S]

Yes, that is a very nice gun, and even better that it came from your great grandfather.

Stan is extremely knowledgeable and he made excellent comments. As he said, if you want to learn more about the guns, please join the group.

Since it is a 2nd generation A, we know that it was manufactured after 1913. Also, since the barrel is stamped Philadelphia, we know it was manufactured 1929 or earlier. Fix guns are very good guns. The fact that it’s a small bore enhances the value. Looks like great grandpa trimmed the stock and added a kick pad, but it looks nice otherwise. How long are the barrels? Jeff

[Researcher]

Stan said it all.

Here are the A-Grade pages from the 1926 A.H. Fox Gun Co. retail catalogue --

The 1926 retail prices --

[Foxnut]

MDFILA,
Very cool gun and neat that it was your great grandfather’s as well. As Stan said the serial # is cool as well. Would be curious if you could let us know the length of barrels (26”, 28”, 30” or something else? Assuming the serial # is the same on the bottom of the forend metal as well, correct? Also, appears to have a semi-round pistol grip, (SRPG) also referred to as a prince of wales grip sometimes. Extractors vs. Ejectors which means after shells are fired and the gun is opened using to top lever the shells are extracted (lifted) and then can be removed by hand. Ejectors will “throw” the shells out when the gun is opened after firing. As others have said you can get info by joining as a member here and get a copy of the order card. Another option is to contact Cody Firearms Museum and order a letter from them as they now house all of the Fox/Savage records. Best of luck - Brett

[eightbore]

I think the Fox collectors will give you a free card "provenance" on your gun when you join. The palindrome serial number is a great addition to the history of your gun. Please let us know what the "card" tells you.

[Jeff S]

By the way MDFILA….. you said that you inherited this dandy little Fox “and a few others”. Just out of curiosity, were any of the others side by side shotguns?