Page 396 - 87-BOOK2

394
LOT 1576
Spectacular Factory Mythological Engraved Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Co. A. H. Fox .22 LR Double Rifle - Serial no. R012, 22 LR cal., 22 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. Built only on a special order basis, these tiny double rifles use a special frame smaller than that of the already diminutive .410 bore frames. This rifle is built with blued steel barrels with ramped beaded blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight on the rear quarter rib which is engraved and has an area left blank for inscription, and chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels both show deep relief cut dragons over matted backgrounds at both breeches. The tiny coin grey finished Fox boxlock action displays full coverage deep chisel cut fantasy themed engraving consisting of a cacophony of bestial designs including dragons, griffins, and masks all intertwining. The engraving is all highly detailed and backed by a contrasting darkened background. C.S.M.C. attributes the work to Armando Piardi; however, the work is unsigned. The rifle features a pair of nitre blue triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety switch. Beautiful highly figured, fancy fleur-de-lis checkered splinter forend with ebony tip insert, engraved fittings including the Deeley latch style release, and floral scroll carving at the rear as well as a pistol grip stock with floral scroll carved flats, engraved coin grip cap, and coin finished skeleton buttplate with bestial engraving around the checkered bare butt. This is a very nice piece displaying an engraving style and caliber not usually seen on a fine double rifle such as this. Length of pull 14 1/4 inches. Weight 4 lbs. 12 oz. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes, minor handling evidence, and sharp checkering and carving in the wood. Mechanically excellent. This is a chance to own a stunning and truly unique piece of firearms art! Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000