I like Fox shotguns, but after seeing the bidding action on this 20g AE, I can see some guys like them a LOT more than I do. It’s on Gunauction.com now and the listing ends November 4, 2018, @ 5:03 pm.
A.H. Fox made side-by-side shotguns in three gauges: 12, 16 & 20. Of these, the twenties are the scarcest. That being said, 20g Fox shotguns are far from rare, and a typical double barrel, A-grade 20 gauge goes for $3,500 – $4,500. As you can see, this one has popped ahead of those prices, and it’s on track to sell for a lot more.
Why? Four reasons: It has a single trigger, it has 30″ barrels, it has ejectors (the “E” in AE), and it has some decent color-case hardening on the action. Those features plus the decent condition put this gun in the real-hard-to-find category.
On top of that, a lot of guys are just nuts when it comes to vintage American shotguns.
A.H. FOX ~ AE GRADE 20-GAUGE, SINGLE-TRIGGER, EJECTORS, 30″ BBLS, RARE GUN!!…MFD 1920, C&R OK, NO RESERVE: Here’s a rather scarce A.H. Fox shotgun. Manufactured in Philadelphia, this is an AE Grade chambered for 20-gauge shells. It has a number of desirable features. As an AE, it naturally has automatic ejectors. Additionally, this gun is equipped with the Fox-Kautzky single-selective trigger, has 30-inch barrels, and 2-3/4″ chambers. The barrels and frame are made of “Chromox” high-pressure fluid steel. The frame is engraved in the A-pattern typical of the period. The butt is of the half pistol grip design, the forestock is of the splinter design with Deeley style latch.
Overall condition is very good. There is still case colors present on the frame in the more protected areas…I’d call it about 20-30% or so. The barrels retain most of their original blue finish but there are a few areas of thinning and some very minor spots of surface freckling. I’d call the barrel finish about 85% overall. There are no dents or pits. The stocks are in good condition but have been professionally refinished. Length of pull measures 13-1/2″; Drop @ Heel is 2-1/8″; Drop @ Comb is 1-1/2″. This gun functions well. Lock up is good with no significant looseness. The single trigger functions as it should, as do both ejectors and the automatic safety. Both bores are bright and free of any pitting. Choke constrictions measure approximately .016″ (about Modified choke) in both barrels. Weight is 6-pounds, 6-ounces. According to available serial number information, this Fox was manufactured in about 1920. A nice and rather unusual gun that’s fast approaching her 100th birthday!
