question about early model C barrel

[pamlicopintail]

Hello, new to the site. I just purchased an older 4 digit serial number fox. from what ive read this one is old enough that info has been lost.
any way after spending many hrs on net researching im confused by barrel engraving of this one as it looks like that found on a lot of older B models. all serial #s on gun match. this is not my gun in pic.

[bamboozler]

Your gun appears to be an early B-Grade with standard B-Grade engraving on the frame and barrels.

https://www.foxcollectors.com/fox-gun-g ... -directory

[pamlicopintail]

this pic is not of my gun. but same type of engraving on my barrel

[bamboozler]

So what you're saying is the you knowingly have an early C-Grade gun with early B-Grade engraved barrels, correct? Do the serial numbers match and appear with the same font? (Pics would help).

[pamlicopintail]

yes. i will post pics later today.

[pamlicopintail]

here is pic of gun, im trying to figure out posting pics

[pamlicopintail]

bottom of barrel stamped C

[Researcher]

Serial number 2257 was still a "banner style" C-grade gun --

2257 C-grade left side

Your gun must be one of the earlier C-grades with the "oval style" engraving. Perhaps this is just part of the evolution of the engraving style. As late as 2645 the B-Grade was still of the earliest style with no bird and only a line around the breech end of the barrels.

2645 B-Grade left side

2645 01.jpeg (43.46 KiB) Viewed 10484 times

[pamlicopintail]

so pretty good chance its original? also was there ever a time two screws where used to attach trigger guard to stock insted of one?

[Researcher]

The first two A.H. Fox Gun Co. catalogs, which I consider 1905 and 1906, with the Wayne & Bristol Street address show the "banner style" C-Grade. The third A.H. Fox Gun Co. catalog, which I consider 1906-07, with the North 18th Street & Windrim Avenue address shows the C-Grade with the "oval style" engraving --

1906-07 Finest Gun in the World page 5

but the B-Grade is still shown with the earliest style engraving with no bird and just a line around the breech end of the barrels.

1906-07 Finest Gun in the World page 6

The 1907 A.H. Fox Gun Co. catalogs, both the pocket size "Finest Gun in the World"

1907 Finest Gun in the World B-grade

and the larger art "Campfire", are the first to show the B-Grade with the little bird down by the sear pin and the little feather of barrel engraving.

Your gun is an interesting transition piece. We'd love to see some more pictures of it. If you don't want to post it in the open, could you PM me the complete serial number?

Dave

[birdawg]

For what it is worth, the 2 digit C grades have the standard C grade wedges unless special ordered.

[pamlicopintail]

by standard do you mean same as pic of C grade above with the fancier scroll?

[pamlicopintail]

not sure if this was labeld correct but only other C grade i could find with same barrel engraving.

[fox-admin]

That lunch box gun has been handled by a bunch of us and it is not a c grade. It is basically a mongrel with d grade wood and checkering with engraving that is similar to a b. I have handled a bunch of c grade foxes and have never seen a gun or a card that calls out b engraving on the barrels. But that being said never say never. Enjoy your c it is a nice gun.

[grouse28]

What is the significance of the term “lunchbox gun”?