I have recently come across a Fox double gun that will soon become available for purchase. Although I have a modest collection of American doubles, I have never owned a Fox and know little about them and their present values. As a result of having read Michael McIntosh's book on A.H. Fox, I do know that this gun I'm about to show you is a Fox Model SP, and I'm of the opinion it may be rather unique to say the least.
First the gun's description and then some pictures followed finally by some questions.
Description:Savage-A. H. Fox, Utica, New York. It is a slim, light weight, hammerless box lock double chambered in 16 gauge. The sides of the receiver are not scalloped like a traditional Fox’s. 26” barrels with double beads and excellent cleanable bores. Equipped with extractors and a single selective trigger. Excellent action. Very lightly engraved receiver retains 60% thinning blue. Trigger guard has a repair and is worn to silvery gray. Dent free barrels retain 95% satin blue. Excellent checkered walnut splinter forearm with a retaining latch and a black contrasting tip. Excellent, slightly lighter colored, straight grip stock with matching checkering and a heavy grooved hard rubber butt plate with a “widow’s peak”. Wood does have light handling marks.
Photos:
I am thinking about "putting a move on" to acquire this gun. The problem is, I don't have a great comfort level that this gun is original, nor do I presently have any idea how much something like this might set me back. I've not found any at auction, present or past, on any of the Internet gun auction sites, nor have I found any reference in my latest (25th Edition) copy of Fjestad's
Blue Book.
Does anyone have an idea of what a fair price might be for this Fox SP? If not maybe someone may have a copy of a recent
Gun List listing one for sale?
When is the last time you've seen one of these? Any ideas as to value? Do you see anything in either the photos or description that might lead you to think it may not be an honest gun. I've not seen the gun as yet, but want to brace myself / set a realistic expectation level.
Also, you will notice, from both the description and the picture, that the rear of the trigger guard has been broken and repaired. I am led to believe that the Model SP may never have been offered in a straight grip version. Does anyone know this to be true, and if it is true, is it possible/probable that the break in the bow may have occurred when a former owner may have tried to reshape the guard tang to fit the straight grip of the stock?
Your thoughts, comments and any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
