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I have collected and specialized in AH Fox shotguns for 30 years & this gun is truly one of the most unique that I have ever owned or seen. I was fortunate to buy it from a private collector.
The Fox BE grade was short lived in production being dropped from the catalogs in 1917 so finding a typical BE in high condition is difficult in it’s own right. This particular BE was ordered by a gentleman from West Virginia who obviously had his own ideas on what he wanted in a Fox gun. It was shipped to him in 1914. This gun was ordered as a BE but with special engraving and a blued frame!!! He specified special “C” grade wood as well and requested it to be special weight. This is all spelled out on the factory record card for the gun and is translated in the Fox historian letter. This gun is completely factory original!!! (the record also shows the same gentleman ordered a matching BE 20ga for himself…WOW!)
This gun had survived in wonderful unmolested factory original condition and is delightful at 6 pounds 8oz for a 12 gauge double! The letter specifies extra weight being taken off the barrels & stock.
The walnut on this gun is fantastic and much higher in color and figure than most C grades that I have seen. They used special care selecting this wood. It is in original condition with original buttplate & specifications. Original finish. No cracks, no splits, just handling marks befitting a gun of it’s age.
The blued receiver is original factory finish and shows nearly no carry wear. The engraving is truly unique and tasteful. The barrels retain most of their original blue with some freckling on the surface from poor storage. There is some very minor pitting in the outside finish at the muzzle end from storage as well. The barrels show a couple of handling scratches.
The barrels ring true and have bright bores and original chokes. Mechanically the gun is tight and everything works precicely as it should. This gun has had little use. The original light radius file marks are still on the face of the barrels…these factory marks are usually the first to go with wear and use.
This Fox has fantastic dimensions and is truly a pleasure in fit and balance.
This one of a kind “special” is befitting of the finest AH Fox shotgun collection…or any American side by side collection. It is unique, very honest and unbelievable….it is worthy of a feature article in the Double Gun Journal which I would love to do when/if time permits. I welcome phone calls on this gun.