A.H. Fox Gun Co. Ansley H Fox CE Grade Ejector, Blue & Case 30 Side By Side SXS Hammerless Shotgun MFD 1915 C&R

Sold For: $8,125.00

LSB#: 170321RM01

Make: A.H. Fox Gun Co. Phila PA

Model: CE Grade

Serial Number: 200739

Year of Manufacture: 1915 (https://www.doublegunshop.com/dgsnos1.htm)

Gauge: 20 Gauge 2.5” Black Powder

Action Type: Top Break Side by Side Box Lock Hammerless Shotgun with Ejectors

Markings: The right barrel is marked “ Knupp Fluid Steel made By” The left barrel is marked “ A. H. Fox Gun Co. Phila PA”. the underside of the barrels are marked “FLUID STEEL KRUPP ESSEN”. The underside of the barrel flat is marked “C” / “200739” / The fox Proof / “20 GA”. The watertasble is marked “PAT D DEC. 2 1902 / AUG. 16. 1904- AUG. 11905 / OCT. 17 1905 jan 16 1906” The patent stamping appears to be faint near the lawst lines and was double struck. The font size and type appears to be factory. The serial number is also found on the watertable with a “C”. The forend hardware numbers to the receiver and has a set of patent dates. The foreend wood does not have any numbers stamped, it appears top match the grain of the buttstock. The bottom tang has the serial number hand engraved. Both sides of the receiver are engravded in CE style.

Barrel Length: 30”

Choke: Full & Full

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a chipped mid-bead and full front bead

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are hight grade beautifully figured wood. The stocks are hand checkered. There are very small chips missing where the wood meets the metal at the lower and upper tang. There is a very small crack in the forend stemming from the rear screw. If we didn’t mention it you may never see it. The finish is starting to develop small bubbles and a few light patches of finish loss. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the hard rubber buttplate. There is a small chip missing. The stocks rate in about Very good overall condition after a deep cleaning.

Type of Finish: Case Colored Receiver Blue Barrel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is fouling / erosion at the chamber where it steps into the bore.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows frosting throughout, muted case coloring to patina. The barrel has surface frosting the entire length. The gun was not stored well and has age consistent with this handling. There does not appear to be any heavy deep pitting that would render the gun unsafe. The gun has aged evenly. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are Clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition. We would like top rate it Fine, but the overall surface frosting and small imperfections to the finish on the stock hold our reserve.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The ejectors work properly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This gun sure is something special. To be manufactured in 1915 in 20 gauge with ejectors and CE engraving must have cost a pretty penny. The shotgun has a beautiful stock and the engraving is still clear. We hesitate to say this, because someone will get upset, but this gun needs a restoration. If not a restoration, at the very least a very detailed full takedown cleaning. Don’t put the receiver on a buffing wheel, but maybe a bath in some cleaner and a non abrasive cloth. This shotgun has seen better days, but the bones are still good. There are no major flaws or defects to the stock or deep pits that might make it a lost cause. It just has gone a little too far to be an exhibiton show piece it once was.

A.H. Fox Gun Co. Ansley H Fox CE Grade Ejector, Blue & Case 30 Side By Side SXS Hammerless Shotgun MFD 1915 C&R
A.H. Fox Gun Co. Ansley H Fox CE Grade Ejector, Blue & Case 30 Side By Side SXS Hammerless Shotgun MFD 1915 C&R