Fox Collectors

Stumbled across a gun today and am looking for a little help, although I am embarrassed to admit how little attention I paid as I only got mildly interested after thinking about it on the drive back! 12 gauge, recessed hinge pin, Parker-esque action shape, the word "Fox" engraved in a sort of curved banner on the sides of the action. From a cursory look at the information here I assume it's a Philadelphia Arms gun, and possibly a B grade as the store has it tagged as a Fox Model B. The gun looked original and not in bad overall condition; good bores, seemed tight. Overall gray patina and blue remaining on the barrels; wood a bit rough as I remember, although as I said, I really didn't pay enough attention. Poorly fitted and somewhat deteriorated recoil pad of undetermined origin, capped pistol grip. Assuming reasonable condition, and assuming I decide I'm interested enough to go back for a second look, is it worth anywhere near the $999 they're asking? Shoulda shot some phone pics, but... Thanks...

To date I've only recorded four B-Grade Philadelphia Arms Co. guns -- 733, 829, 873 and 1087. The latter two I believe to be safely squirreled away. Serial number 829 was a nicely refurbished gun that appeared on several dealers tables in the mid-Atalantic area after I first saw it up at Capt. Higgens' in Maine in the late 1980s. Last I saw of 733, which had a number of issues, it had just been purchased by a dealer from the upper mid-west at the August Big Reno Show in 2011. I'd say $999 would be in the ball park for a salvageable B-Grade Philadelphia Arms Co. gun.

B-Grade --



A-Grade --



C-Grade

Based on your photo it's definitely not a B grade; the only engraving I noted is the word Fox inside a small scroll or banner. A grade I suppose, or were their lesser models?

Researcher, I assume Daryl C's B Grade gun is included in your list.

Yup!!

The gun is #833; obviously an A grade (how my old memory conjured up the "Fox in a curved banner" I don't know). Sorry about the crummy cell phone photos; nice shots of the trigger lock though. I did manage to amaze the very sweet young lady who waiting on me by taking the forend and barrels off; "I didn't know you could do that," she said. Wood has lots of dings and marks of use; checkering on the stock is still pretty good; forend checkering seems to be quite worn. Poor shape and poorly fitted Red Head pad. Metal in nice shape, screws look quite good. Did not find any info on the barrel flats or water table. Barrels in very nice shape with good bores; gun appears nice and tight. Can't believe I forgot to measure the barrels but they FELT like 28". Actually I thought it was a pretty nice old gun, and if it was other than a 12 gauge I would probably be interested. They're asking $999 and she said there might be some wiggle room; I asked how much, she said maybe $50. I don't want another 12 that badly.

Yup Bill, 1087 is mine and safely squirreled away. She had everything I look for, straight grip and 32" original chokes. At first I thought I might have overpaid for her but her condition and rarity warranted her price. Did'nt know anything about PAC at the time but she lead me here and I've gained a wealth of knowledge on everything Fox. I'd love to post pics but have trouble figuring how to upload them.