Current registered trademark manufactured by Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company located in New Britain, CT. The A.H. Fox trademark was brought to life once again during 1993 when the Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company began producing an A.H. Fox 20 gauge in 5 different grades. Previously manufactured in Philadelphia, PA 1903-1930, and in Utica, NY from 1930-approx. 1946. Manufactured by Savage 1930-1988.
Depending on the remaining A.H. Fox factory data, a factory letter authenticating the configuration of a particular Fox shotgun (not to be confused with the more recent Savage/Stevens designed Fox doubles) may be obtained by contacting the Cody Firearms Records Office at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (www.centerofthewest.org) or through the A.H. Fox Gun Collectors Association (foxcollectors.com). Contact the Cody Firearms Records Office for more information and current factory letter pricing.
Mr. Ansley H. Fox first started manufacturing shotguns in circa 1896. This first company was called the Fox Gun Co. and was located in Baltimore, MD. Relatively few guns were made and surviving specimens today are very rare. After this venture, Mr. Fox was employed by the Baltimore Gun Co. for several years (circa 1900-1903). Following this period, he formed the Philadelphia Gun Co. where the predecessors to the A.H. Fox Gun Co. models were manufactured. These Philadelphia Gun Co. models (circa 1904) were the same as the newer Fox shotguns except that the hinge pin was removed. Sources indicate that the lowest grade was an A with the highest being an E (fully engraved and ultra rare). Mr. Fox went on to form the A.H. Fox Gun Co. in 1906. In addition to being an entrepreneur and trend setter, Mr. Fox also had the reputation of being an expert shot in his own right, winning more than a few events on the East Coast around the turn of the century.
The A.H. Fox Gun Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, began production in 1905 and produced high quality double barrel shotguns until 1930. The Savage Arms Company, then of Utica, New York, acquired the Fox Company and produced these guns until 1942, when all but the utilitarian model B series guns were discontinued.
A.H. Fox guns are considered an American classic comparable to L.C. Smith, Parker, and others. Collector interest is high and will undoubtedly grow. The guns do not command quite as high a price as the Smith and Parker guns, but represent a fine investment collectible value.
Savage-made guns from 1930-1942 are usually valued similarly to the early A.H. Fox guns. The recent production B series are just not in the same class and are obviously not intended to be. They are lower priced by today's standards and are designed as a utility grade hunting gun. It is extremely important to note that prices listed below for the Philadelphia and Utica produced guns are for strictly original guns only. Values will vary widely for guns that have been altered or restored. Original case coloring on A.H. Fox shotguns did change throughout the course of the company's production and colors can vary widely. When dealing with higher graded guns, it is advised to seek professional guidance as there have been numerous upgrades and spurious examples in circulation. Just because a gun has a Factory letter does not neccessarily mean the gun is authentic.
The publisher would like to express his thanks to Mr. Josh Lowensteiner for his contributions in this section.
Mr. Ansley H. Fox first started manufacturing shotguns in circa 1896. This first company was called the Fox Gun Co. and was located in Baltimore, MD. Relatively few guns were made and surviving specimens today are very rare. After this venture, Mr. Fox was employed by the Baltimore Gun Co. for several years (circa 1900-1903). Following this period, he formed the Philadelphia Gun Co. where the predecessors to the A.H. Fox Gun Co. models were manufactured. These Philadelphia Gun Co. models (circa 1904) were the same as the newer Fox shotguns except that the hinge pin was removed. Sources indicate that the lowest grade was an A with the highest being an E (fully engraved and ultra rare). Mr. Fox went on to form the A.H. Fox Gun Co. in 1906. In addition to being an entrepreneur and trend setter, Mr. Fox also had the reputation of being an expert shot in his own right, winning more than a few events on the East Coast around the turn of the century.
The A.H. Fox Gun Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, began production in 1905 and produced high quality double barrel shotguns until 1930. The Savage Arms Company, then of Utica, New York, acquired the Fox Company and produced these guns until 1942, when all but the utilitarian model B series guns were discontinued.
A.H. Fox guns are considered an American classic comparable to L.C. Smith, Parker, and others. Collector interest is high and will undoubtedly grow. The guns do not command quite as high a price as the Smith and Parker guns, but represent a fine investment collectible value.
Savage-made guns from 1930-1942 are usually valued similarly to the early A.H. Fox guns. The recent production B series are just not in the same class and are obviously not intended to be. They are lower priced by today's standards and are designed as a utility grade hunting gun. It is extremely important to note that prices listed below for the Philadelphia and Utica produced guns are for strictly original guns only. Values will vary widely for guns that have been altered or restored. Original case coloring on A.H. Fox shotguns did change throughout the course of the company's production and colors can vary widely. When dealing with higher graded guns, it is advised to seek professional guidance as there have been numerous upgrades and spurious examples in circulation. Just because a gun has a Factory letter does not neccessarily mean the gun is authentic.
The publisher would like to express his thanks to Mr. Josh Lowensteiner for his contributions in this section.
FOX, A.H. Models
16 (new 1995), 20, 28 ga. (new 1995), or .410 bore (new 1995), engraved with fine scroll and game scenes, Grade I Turkish Circassian walnut. New 1993.
gauges similar to CE Grade, scroll work and engraved game scenes, Grade II Turkish Circassian walnut. New 1993.
gauges similar to CE Grade, intricate and extensive engraving, Grade III highly figured Turkish Circassian walnut. Mfg. 1993-disc.
gauges similar to CE Grade, gold inlays surrounded by different types of scroll work, Grade IV highly figured Turkish Circassian walnut with finest checkering. New 1993.
gauges similar to CE Grade, individually built per customer specifications on a "cost-no-object" basis, includes best-quality leather trunk case with full accessories, Exhibition Grade Turkish Circassian walnut. New 1993.
12 ga., case colored boxlock receiver, carbon steel barresl, DT, deluxe straight grip checkered walnut stock and forearm, currently manufactured by Connecticut Shotguns. Made by CSMC for Savage Arms.
12, 16, or 20 ga., 26, 28, or 30 in. barrels, various chokes, boxlock, extractors, double trigger, checkered pistol grip stock. Mfg. 1910-1942.
similar to Sterlingworth, with recoil pad and ivory bead front sight, 32 in. barrel available.
similar to Sterlingworth, with 26 or 28 in. skeet boring, straight grip stock, beavertail forearm. Mfg. 1935-1945.
12 ga., 2 3/4 (very rare) or 3 in. chambered long range gun, 30 and 32 in. full choke, auto ejectors, otherwise similar to Sterlingworth.
12, 16, or 20 ga., the following higher grade Fox shotguns are similar to the Sterlingworth in configuration. The grades differ in engraving and inlays, grade of wood and general workmanship. The E designation means auto ejectors.
Prices below are for 1st Generation style engraving.
top-of-the-line model, only infrequently encountered.
12 ga., 30 or 32 in. vent. rib barrels, full choke, boxlock, auto ejector, checkered trap style stock with recoil pad. The grades differ in wood, engraving, and overall quality. ME grade is custom built and extremely high quality with gold inlays. These models were disc. 1942. 568 single barrel trap guns were mfg. between 1932-42 and have a ser. range of 400,000-400,568, with Monte Carlo stock.
12, 16, 20 ga., or .410 bore, 24-30 in. barrels, various chokes, vent. rib on newer models, boxlock, extractors, double triggers, handcut or pressed checkered pistol grip stock and forearm. Mfg. 1940-86.
similar to model B, with single trigger. Mfg. 1955-66.
similar to model B-ST, with satin chrome frame, select wood. Mfg. 1962-65.
similar to B-DL, with less checkering. Mfg. 1965-66.
12, 20 ga., or .410 bore, single trigger, selective ejectors, vent. rib, beavertail forearm, select walnut with pressed checkering. Mfg. 1966-88.