A.H. Fox B Grade

[BrassCase]

Hello to all and thanks for allowing me to join. I have a couple Sterlingworths 16 and 20 in my hunting rotation thusfare.. Recently ran into a A.H. Fox B grade 12 ga with 30” barrels the other day that overall looked descent at a pretty good price that I would think is a bit negotiable . Issue is the Break Action lever to the left.

I have read multiple threads on several forums, but I am actually wondering what a ballpark proper fix would go $$$ and if it is worth to do so on a B grade gun @ 30” . Most threads give a diagnosing etc , however no real indicator of what one would possibly be looking at $$. See a lot of run away suggestions when asked. At what grade and what line would someone want to actually talk about getting it fixed?

[fox-admin]

The cost depends if the gun is on face. With the forend removed does the barrel shake side to side or up and down. If the gun is on face a gunsmith can weld up the barrel tang and fit it so the lever sits center or to the right. I would guess that repair would be about $300-$400. If the gun is off face then the barrel hook would need to be welded and fitted add another $400-$450.
I appears to be a very nice gun with a rare engraving pattern for a B, fixed up I would say it would be a $2300 to $2700 gun. Craig

[Jeff S]

To my eyes, that lever looks like it’s bent a little. Is that the case?

[Researcher]

With that engraving pattern that should be a 1913 vintage gun. What is the serial number?

[BrassCase]

#14000’sI believed I had looked it up correctly, but you Gents would know better than I. When I removed the forearm there was no shake. 30” FF barrels .

[Jeff S]

If you looked up the production date using the list that is found on line, the date may not be correct. Fox did not necessarily ship guns in sequential order. They probably stamped serial numbers on parts, and then assembled them as orders came in. For instance, the online list indicates that my 20 ga. Sterlingworth shipped during 1915. However, the letter I received from John T. Callahan says October 1918.

[Silvers]

Just looking at the pics, it does look like the barrels are on the face, or at the least very near so. Plain and simple, the lever has been bent counter-clockwise probably to make it look less left to the uninitiated. Another possibility is a hand or finger deformity and made so for the owner’s ease of use

Most Fox levers are relatively soft and easily bent, but I've also seen some that were harder and broken in two by bubba fellas. There are many reasons for "lever left" beyond wear on the barrel extension camming surface, that don't involve microwelding and refitting to fix, to include wear-play and broken parts inside the locking mechanism. A competent Fox man can diagnose it quite easily once in his hands and stock removed. frank

[BrassCase]

Thank you very much to all of you that voiced opinions and information. Have some thinking to do I believe.

Also if anyone would care to offer a person or persons seen as appropriate problem solvers for said issues located in New England or the Northeast I would happily take suggestions.

[Jeff S]

I live in Michigan. Maybe one of the Northeast guys can offer a suggestion.

[BrassCase]

Welp , snipers came through and it’s gone not to me. Would still take the proper New England / North East names for future reference. Thanks again to all.

[Silvers]

BC, presently there's a dearth of good Fox gunsmiths and generally their names/info are held close to the chest and usually shared only between member friends. Reason being that any new clients will reduce the 'smith's availability and add to queue times for guys that are really into Foxes and need work done. I'm not saying that's right, just the way it is and no doubt that's why no one has replied as yet to your request for names.

If you live in the Northeast may I suggest you do the Northeast Side by Side at Hausmann's Hidden Hollow here in northeast PA in early June? You'll see, meet and learn more about Foxes from good people there at our Foxfest than most anywhere. Guns are also sold there and an on-site PA FFL will handle the 4473 for legal transfer. Usually two very good Foxsmiths are there and available for consultation. See the link below. frank

https://hhhsc.net/

[BrassCase]

Silvers,

I already placed the gathering on my 2025 schedule of events that a friend and I are hoping to attend. When briefly chatting about it (Side by Side at Hausmann's) he pointed out there might be some fly fishing at hand. Joined the AHFCA as well.

[Foxnut]

Brass Case, Brian Dudley comes to mind in New York but I’m guessing his dance card is pretty full and would depend on the work needed to be done. Gunther Pfrommer (sp) is in Virginia but is very competent, not sure of his turn around time. Turnbull Restorations out of New York and others as well.

Welcome to the AHFCA and thanks for signing up. Looking forward to more post and pics of your Fox adventures!!

[fox-admin]

San Chappell is in Canandaigua NY. Sam was the head gunsmith at Turnbull's for many years and has gone out on his own. 585-330-3218.

[Stan Hillis]

Welcome to the AHFCA, Brass Case.