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Straight grain, multi-point checkered forend and pistol grip stock with hard rubber grip cap and buttplate. Stock measurements: 1 11/16 inch drop at comb; 2 5/8 inch drop at heel; 13 15/16 inch length of pull; weight 5 lbs. 12 oz. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 97% original blue finish and 90% vibrant case colors with the balance and attractive grey patina with some patches of light spotting overall, and a patch of surface oxidation on the triggerguard. Wood is very fine as well with a few scratches near the toe, two small chips on the buttplate, and softened checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
Factory Engraved L. C. Smith/Hunter Arms Co. 16 Gauge Grade 3E Double Barrel Shotgun Two Barrel Set with Factory Letter - Serial no. 211771, 16 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. Blued nitro steel barrels with single white bead sight on the matted concave solid rib which is marked “HUNTER ARMS. CO. FULTON, N.Y.”, chambers measured 2 1/2 inches with automatic ejectors, and choke constrictions of .030/.028 inches. The casehardened action displays scroll engraving and oval game bird scene on either side as well as “L. C. SMITH”. The gun features a single Hunter One trigger and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and ebony tip and round knob pistol grip stock with a gold duck on the left of the stock and factory buttplate. Includes a second matching set of 30 inch 16 gauge barrels with choke constrictions of .005/.005 inches. Also included is a factory letter confirming the current barrel length, barrel material, gauge, grade, and ejectors when it was finished on December 2nd, 1909. Stock measurements: 1 3/4 inch drop at comb; 2 5/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/16 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 7 oz. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 90% original blue finish, 20% original case colors with the balance a fine grey, and light handling evidence. The reoiled wood is also very fine with a repaired crack at the wrist and rear of the lockplate both on the right side, and sharp checkering. The extra barrel set is very fine. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
367
When the Ansley H. Fox opened his now legendary factory in Philadelphia, the production goal for daily output stood at 15 guns, meaning
that this gun, number 5, is very likely
to have been completed and sent out in the very first shipment to ever leave
the grounds; it cannot get much earlier than that! This gun was built with a single
nickel bead sight on the matted concave solid rib, barrels marked “KRUPP FLUID STEEL MADE BY” and “A. H. FOX GUN CO. PHILA. PA” on the right and left respectively,
light bands of engraving at either breech, and chambers measures at 3 inches with single extractor. The casehardened boxlock action shows pre-1912 Grade B engraving consisting of floral scrollwork with “ANSLEY H. FOX” marked
on either side and features double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety switch, Attractively figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and round knob pistol grip stock with checkered flats and serrated hard rubber buttplate. Included with the gun is the original factory hang tag and a reprinted Fox catalog. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .735/.731 inches; choke constriction .040/.038 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.031 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 5/8 inch drop at heel; 14 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. CONDITION: Fine, retaining 90% original blue finish, flashes of original case colors in the protected areas on the action with the balance a fine silver patina, some light spotting on the barrels and underside of the action, and overall light handling evidence. The wood is also fine with a few small scratches, some high edge wear, a few pressure marks, and crisp checkering. The hang tag is legible with some creasing and fading. Mechanically excellent. Do not miss out on owning this incredible early piece of an American legend! Estimate: 4,000 - 7,000
LOT 3682
Factory Engraved A. H. Fox Grade B Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 5, 12 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
LOT 3683
Rare and Desirable Hunter Arms Co./L. C. Smith .410 Bore Field Grade Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. FW130380, 410 gauge, 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This gun is one of only 2,375 Field Grades built as a .410 bore out of a total of 195,205 per page 177 of William Brophy’s “L. C. Smith Shotguns”. Blued steel barrels with a single brass bead sight on the matted solid rib, standard markings, 3 inch chambers with a single extractor, and chokes measured full/full. The casehardened action is unadorned aside from the “L. C. SMITH” marking on either lockplate and features double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety.
LOT 3684