#121 Directors Special at Julia's

[fox-admin]

Does anyone know the history of this gun coming up for sale at Julia's???

[Researcher]

I know David Trevellion had pictures of it in all its various stages of repair and restocking at The Vintage Cup a few years back. For some reason Revdocdrew has a couple of those pictures in his Nash Buckingham "picture trail"?!? http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/18546790

[fox-admin]

Didn't marshfellow have it for sale last year?

[MARSHFELLOW]

no, Marshfellow did not....Marshfellow had #35.

tjw

[TOOL MAN]

I may be wrong but wasn't that the gun made for F.J.B. ????

[birdawg]

It looks like a standard early D grade to my untrained eyes.
(edited)
No I take that back after looking at my D quota bird gun.

This photo loses some of the detail of the game birds in the rear panel but I think this gun has more overall detail than #121, atleast from the preview photos.
As has been said here before, was A.H. feeling his way for the first few hundred guns on what would be what ?

I hope we can find out more about #121 it looks to be a grand gun.

[Researcher]

The "standard" first generation Ds had more coverage of cruder work then 121 did, but 121's finer work very likely took more engraver hours.

[birdawg]

A little more detailed view.

[vaturkey]

From spending a bit of time last week speaking with Ken Hurst about engraving, I have little doubt that the finer work in 121 probably took more time to complete then a standard early D grade. I think 121 might have some of the nicest engraving I've seen on a Fox. Negative space, fine detail, some game scenes, all the things I like. I think that engraving pattern in a small gauge Fox would be awesome.

[NJdblgun]

Description from Julia's preview:

"Important A.H.Fox "Directors Special Grade" 12ga. for F.J.Barthmaier, SN 121"

[birdawg]

Is there any other information on this gun? Are there any with a similar engraving patterns or is this one of a kind?

[fox-admin]

Morris Baker owns a very early D that he displays each year at the Hausman's shoot. In my opinion it is the best engraved early D Fox I have ever examined, much nicer than 121. It has much more fine scroll coverage than any early D and the dogs and birds are truly spectacular and life like. Some of our members have seen the gun and may want to comment. The gun has lot's of wear and has led a very active life, but stunning to my eye. I think Morris has about 82 people waiting in line if he every decides to part with it which is highly unlikely. I believe Paul Plunkett may have some pictures of the gun. Craig

[birdawg]

Thanks Craig,
Very helpful as usual, there must be some dandies out there.

[Silvers]

I agree with Craig's descripion of Morris' early D. It's too early to letter or card. I joke with MB about it most every time I see him, and last he told me I'm about #18 on the list. One of our members spotted it sitting on a rack during this year's NE S x S, for the first time I believe, and I'm thinking he's probably #83. Frank

[NJdblgun]

Maybe only #83, but I'm hoping to work my way up; its a great gun, one that has to be seen in person, S