Instantly Bitten Newbie to A. H. Fox - serial number website
Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2010 11:34 pm
Just like to say hi and to be honest never thought to find myself here but here I am. My trek here started actually by my intent to own another American Classic and hopefully still will, the invincible Parker. For several months now I had been on the chase for the illusive Parker in the 0 frame and particularly the 20 gauge, that is if I could find one reasonable. But I haven't been able to find one (Parker) within a hundred miles of my home in the numerous shops which I search. I have search the several gun auction sites as well, but as is the case on most of them, everyone thinks their gun for sale is a one of a kind and worth a minimum of twice whatever the Blue Book has listed.
It was just yesterday when my perchance find, landed me here. While looking in one of my usual haunts, I came across a shotgun at first glance at its belly I thought was my illusive Parker. Upon closer inspection I discovered was in fact an A. H. Fox Sterlingworth in 12 gauge, 30" barrels, serial # 764XX (1915). Later that evening when I returned home I did several hours of searching on the web and found a site (including this one) that gives the year of manufacture by serial number for those who are looking for what year their Fox might have been manufactured. http://doublegunshop.com/dgsnos.htm
The gun has definitely been used as all the case coloring on the receiver is gone except on the water table which is faint but there is a nice patina and no rust or pits any where along the metal. The barrel retain I believe approximately 70% of their bluing but shows no scratches or dings that I can see caused by carelessness, the bores looked as clean and shinny as two new dimes. The wood show handling wear and the forearm has a chip out of it along the front edge running along side one of the barrels maybe an inch long and a 1/8" deep, all the checkering is worn flat from use. I made the mistake of pulling the old gun down from its place on the shelve to take a look at it and was immediately bitten.
For a 12 gauge I expected more weight, finding that the excellent balance was what made it feel lighter. Opening the action I noticed that the action's break lever was near as far off center to the right as most of the new guns which it was placed next too. The action broke cleanly and easily where I believe that I could open it with just one hand, yet when I closed the action it felt and sound if I just closed a well balanced bank vault door. At that point all thoughts of trying to find a Parker left me (for now), I knew that I found a jewel though a little rough in appearance yet still had it where it counted most and I got it for what I thought was a equally great price of $825 + tax. As soon as I bring it home (unfortunately money is tight right now) after getting out of lay away I'll post picture of it.
It was just yesterday when my perchance find, landed me here. While looking in one of my usual haunts, I came across a shotgun at first glance at its belly I thought was my illusive Parker. Upon closer inspection I discovered was in fact an A. H. Fox Sterlingworth in 12 gauge, 30" barrels, serial # 764XX (1915). Later that evening when I returned home I did several hours of searching on the web and found a site (including this one) that gives the year of manufacture by serial number for those who are looking for what year their Fox might have been manufactured. http://doublegunshop.com/dgsnos.htm
The gun has definitely been used as all the case coloring on the receiver is gone except on the water table which is faint but there is a nice patina and no rust or pits any where along the metal. The barrel retain I believe approximately 70% of their bluing but shows no scratches or dings that I can see caused by carelessness, the bores looked as clean and shinny as two new dimes. The wood show handling wear and the forearm has a chip out of it along the front edge running along side one of the barrels maybe an inch long and a 1/8" deep, all the checkering is worn flat from use. I made the mistake of pulling the old gun down from its place on the shelve to take a look at it and was immediately bitten.
For a 12 gauge I expected more weight, finding that the excellent balance was what made it feel lighter. Opening the action I noticed that the action's break lever was near as far off center to the right as most of the new guns which it was placed next too. The action broke cleanly and easily where I believe that I could open it with just one hand, yet when I closed the action it felt and sound if I just closed a well balanced bank vault door. At that point all thoughts of trying to find a Parker left me (for now), I knew that I found a jewel though a little rough in appearance yet still had it where it counted most and I got it for what I thought was a equally great price of $825 + tax. As soon as I bring it home (unfortunately money is tight right now) after getting out of lay away I'll post picture of it.