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Old Fox History and Worth?

hunterinthethumb
Recently my Dad's SxS A.H. Fox has been left to his 5 sons. Would like to verify its history and value. 12 Gauge SxS 28 inch barrels choked mod and full. semi-pistol grip. Solid rib. Looks like some of the Sterlingworths I saw on the GB. Markings: top of rt. barrel says Krupp Fluid Steel Made by; top of left barrel says A.H. Fox Gun Co,Phila. Under both barrel locks Ansley H. Fox; Under barrels Fluid Steel Krupps-Essen; two stamps a circle and inside circle says Fox proof; Pat. Aug. 16,1904 Aug. 1,1905 Oct,17.1905 Jan. 16,1906 Serial # is 17005. I know there are some Fox experts out there. Gun is still a good shooter and there are fifty years of memories and stories engraved in our minds. Thanks for you help.

joeb.
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • Python
    Hunter;
    The serial number would place the gun in the earlier production of Fox guns.
    However with out the model I can't say for sure. A.H. Fox shotguns, like most of the old, quality SxS's, have increased dramaticly in the last several years. Fox's are highly sought after. If you could provide the model it will help pin down value. Ball park figure for say a field grade, early production, Model B, for instance, in the condition you discribe is about $600. I don't think it is a sterlingworth, all examples I've seen and own are so marked,ie., Fox-Sterlingworth. You have a fine shotgun, with a long family history. This in my opinion, makes it a priceless family treasure. By the way, It may be a good idea to have your gun checked by a gun smith. "Fliud Steel" in several early SxS's is a type of demascus or wire twist barrel. If this is the case is it NOT a good idea to fire modern shot shells in them. Under a strong magnifing glass, If you see a swirl pattern in the barrels, this indicates a damascus or wire twist type barrel.
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  • laxcoach
    Hunter, just a couple additions and one correction---- based on your description, your gun has steel, not Damascus, barrels. Krupp steel is not "twist". Also, unless both sides of the receiver are stamped "Sterlingworth" or "The Sterlingworth", it is a higher grade, as indicated by the serial number you furnished. If you have an opportunity, look again on the water table for a letter designation such as A, B, etc, and also describe any engraving on the frame and barrels. Also, does the gun have ejectors or single trigger? When I get home tonight, I'll get my Fox book out and try to narrow down which Fox you have. In any event, your gun has more value than a Sterlingworth, but we need a more thorough description and an assessment of condition.
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  • 101AIRBORNE
    OKAY-HALF TIME,
    Must establish the grade-marked on water table or on side of receiver.
    Sounds like an early gun, thus the letter(s) A through F but not definite. The engraving will likely tell the grade. Suggest you post a picture. Did not mention if it has a splinter or beavertail forearm.
    Double or sst? My guess is that it would be a splinter w/two triggers.
    It has fluid steel barrels-Krupps. Definitely not damascus. Python, you need a refresher course in arms. Fox never damascened fluid steel barrels. Krups was the state of the art steel at the time. Original condition is everything. If you could provide the strong original percent of case colors, blue and varnish, you may have a guessitimate.
    Further, advise if the stock was cut for a pad-there are very few originals. Extractors vs. ejectors? Any dents in the tubes? Bore condition and lock up? Is the lever to the right or slightly to the right? Indicates use. laxcoach provided most of the questions, I just
    added some. Impossible to evaluate w/o the further added questions. I collect Parkers and shoot Fox's-my opinion-better arm. I would never rid myself of this gun as it was your Father's.-Money can not purchase
    memories. Good Luck-101
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  • hunterinthethumb
    Thanks to all who replied. Dad's Fox has splinter forend and double triggers and extractors only. Unfortunately I can't send pics. There is no engraving and no model name. Has a pad added years ago. Gun is in the keeping of my little bro. Will try to get more info. Dad traded a Winchester semi-auto (model 50) for the Fox back aroung 1950.He was a dyed in the wool pheasant,and grouse hunter. We had to do some repairs to the sears and re-solder the rib 10 years ago. I really appears to be a standard field gun. Again thanks for all the help. Dad went to the field in the sky past Sept. Thanks everyone! joe B. hunterinthethumb

    joeb.
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