Fox Collectors

Hi folks, I generally don't post the same thing in two different forums, but it was suggested I post this here twice now, and so... I will.

I am looking at a lightly engraved, cased 2 barrel set (12ga). As an early A grade the wood and engraving are not terribly fancy. There is little to no case coloring left. Bores are clean. Bluing is there, but used of course. I have not put my hands on it yet, but will today or tomorrow. I don't know barrel lengths or chokes yet either. From the photos... maybe 28s and 32s?

Any thoughts on value? I know the later A's are more ornate and desired. Does not appear to be a collector grade gun, but an original shooter or a candidate for finish restoration if someone chose to do so.

When I get a chance to shoot them I will of course post better photos.



Thanks,
Shane

Not a bad way to start for sure. Course its very hard if not impossible to put a value on a gun without putting it in ones hand. Really outstanding photos with a digital camera would help a bunch to determining value. Early A grades unless they are in nice condition aren't greatly in vogue right now. I've seen some decent ones go on the internet for less then a thousand dollars. The extra barrel and the extra barrel being 32" certainly helps. 32 inch barrels are really in right now and folks like them a bunch. Rough and I mean rough ball park figure would be anywhere from $1,500 to $3000 assuming the barrels are in good shape with no pitting and the gun is tight on face with no mechanical issues to speak of.

PS. Did I mention better pictures would help.

Interesting find. I'm betting those barrels are 26" and 30" but just a guess on my part. Gen-1 A's are wonderful guns, their beauty enhanced by sheer simplicity. Built like a Panzer tank, and with double triggers and extractors(??), reliable as all hell! You will have a great combo for hunting and clays. Enjoy!

I bought my early A-Grade Fox a little over a year ago. She's in VERY good condition, no scratches or dings on the wood or barrels and the barrels still are factory choked. I paid a skosh over two grand for it. I don't regret it and I'll NEVER sell it. I would post pics but when it comes to photography I'm still a 35 mm dinosaur.

Early A's have some of the best workmanship to be found. The wood is also usually equal to what you would only find on higher grades made in later years.

This one was picked up and neeeded a good cleaning. The wood was redone by Craig Libhardt of Susquehanna Stockworks.

I saw that one on Armslist, I want to say the barrel lengths was 30/28, for 3,500 I thought was a little on the high side for an early A 12 gauge in that condition, I purchased an early A grade 12 gauge, straight stock, 2 barrel set, 32/28 really nice condition for 1,800 and the next day found a matching Sterlingworth 2 barrel set! In my opinion the early guns just don't demand the same money as the later Gough engraved A grades. I'm wondering if the small bore (20/16) early Fox guns are priced this way?

Shane,

Pretty tough to give you a realistic value estimate on your two barreled early A from your picture.

Those early guns don't seem to be the most sought after but in my, and others opinions, are fantastic guns that have the fit and finish that's hard to beat.

I've had my early A, SN 7983, for almost 47 years and have shot 2 3/4" magnums back when lead was OK for waterfowl and more recently several thousand light loads thru it. Still tight and closes like a bank vault.

Jolly

I have an early A Grade. It was my first Fox and still a favorite. It is very well made.

Nicely done! What loads do you shoot for waterfowl BTW?

Shane

Nicely done! What loads do you shoot for waterfowl BTW?

Shane

That was Kent Tungsten Matrix. Also use Nice Shot, when available, and Rio Bismuth. I have a bunch of waterfowl guns