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LOT 557
Factory Engraved Philadelphia Manufactured A. H. Fox 20 Gauge
CE Grade Boxlock Double Barrel Shotgun with Case - Serial no.
201506, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Blued barrels with a single steel bead sight on the matted concave solid rib,
“CHROMOX FLUID COMPRESS STEEL” and “MADE BY A. H. FOX
GUN Co. PHILA. PA U.S.A.” marked on the right and left barrels
respectively, and chambers measured at 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors.
The casehardened boxlock action displays floral scroll engraving surrounding a trio of game scenes. The
left shows a pair of quail, the underside shows a setter, and the right has a pair of woodcock, all of which
are shown in field scenes. The gun features a single selective trigger and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Beautifully figured,
multi-point checkered splinter forend with contrasting tip inlay and engraved fittings, including the Deeley latch release, and a
pistol grip stock with checkered flats, factory grip cap, and serrated hard rubber buttplate. The included copy of a factory letter
confirms the current barrel length, gauge, grade, and full pistol grip stock when it was shipped to Stauffer-Eshlemen Co. of New Orleans, LA, on August 17, 1920. Includes a leather cornered takedown case and a pair of snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .619/.619 inches; choke constriction .032/.029 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.033 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/2 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 8 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 98% professionally reapplied blue finish, 25% original case colors with the balance an attractive grey patina and minor handling evidence. The replacement stock is also very fine with a few light scratches, a small crack coming off the top tang, sharp checkering, and some excess glue on the forend shoe. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 9,500
LOT 558
Factory Engraved Parker Brothers 20 Gauge DHE Grade Double Barrel Shotgun with Larry DelGrego Letters - Serial no. 156645, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1911 on a size “0” frame. Blued barrels with dual white bead sights on the matted concave solid rib which is marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN, CONN. TITANIC STEEL.” and chambers lengthened to 3 inches with automatic ejectors. The casehardened action features
standard DHE Grade engraving consisting of floral scrollwork surrounding a setter on the right, a
flock of mallards on the underside, and a pointer on the left. The gun features a single gold trigger
and a tang mounted automatic safety switch. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered beavertail
forend with engraved fittings and Deeley latch release and straight grip stock with “MG” in inscription oval and engraved skeleton buttplate over a checkered bare butt, both fitted by Larry DelGrego. Included is correspondence with Larry DelGrego listing the repairs and modifications made to the gun in 1974. Also includes an extra, likely original, stock and a wood and leather two gun takedown
case. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .621/.620 inches; choke constriction .013/.020 inches; minimum wall thickness .023/.026 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 1 15/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 15 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored by Larry DelGrego, retaining 98% blue finish, 90% case colors, and light handling evidence. The wood is very good with some varnish flaking, light handling evidence, and crisp checkering. The case is very good. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
LOT 559
Factory Engraved L. C. Smith/Hunter Arms 20 Gauge Eagle Grade Double Barrel Shotgun -
Serial no. FWE135113, 20 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Dual steel bead sights on the matted, concave solid rib which has a single gold band near the breech, “L. C. SMITH
EAGLE GRADE” and “HUNTER ARMS CO. INC. M’F’R’S. FULTON. NY, U.S.A.” marked on the right and left barrels respectively, light engraving at the breech end, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The casehardened sidelock action displays floral
scroll engraving surrounding a pheasant in flight on the left lockplate, a mallard in flight on the right lockplate, and an eagle on the top lever
all in raised relief. The gun features a double triggers and an automatic tang mounted safety switch. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings, rotary latch
release, and ebony tip inlay and pistol grip stock hard rubber grip cap, blank inscription shield, and Jostam Hy-Gun recoil pad. According to page 102 of William Brophy’s “L. C. Smith Shotguns”, only 580 Eagle Grade guns were built across all gauges and barrel lengths, making this quite a rare gun. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .617/.617 inches; choke constriction .019/.028 inches; minimum wall thickness .047/.048 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 13 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 2 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 85% plus refurbished blue finish with some areas of fading, 85% original case colors with the balance a fine silver patina, and overall mild handling evidence. There is a small crack coming off the right lockplate; otherwise, the wood is very fine, with a few minor dings and scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
418 Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000