Description: SN. 301648. Cal. 16ga. Made with 28″ #3 weight brls with slightly raised matted rib. Brls are stamped “CHROMOX FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL” and “MADE BY A.H. FOX GUN CO. PHILA. PA U.S.A.” on tops. Breech ends are engraved with 2″ wedges of large shaded scroll and acanthus. Brl flats are stamped with SN, grade, and Fox proof. Cocking slide and sides of brl flats are engine turned. Breech ends of brls are damascened. Casehardened action with rebated frame is engraved with near full coverage bold open scrolling acanthus which surrounds vignettes of snipe on left and grouse on right. Fences are also acanthus engraved. “ANSLEY H. FOX” is over each bird scene. Bottom of action depicts a bushy tailed fox in mountainous background within oval border. Trigger plate is engraved with more acanthus scroll. Trigger guard has more scroll flanking vacant shield. SN is on tang. Gun made with double triggers, auto ejectors, auto safety ("SAFE" engraved). Well streaked and lightly figured European walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 14″ over a newer Silvers type pad. Side panels are checkered and checkering at grip is of modified point pattern with fancy back. Silver oval on toeline is engraved with indecipherable monogram. Typical high grade Fox extra long splinter forend with inset Schnabeled ebony tip, is checkered to match buttstock. Interior of iron is engraved with patent dates. Accompanied by a photo copy of the factory production card. WEIGHT: 6lbs. 2oz. Cham. Lgth: 2-1/2". Min. Wall Thickness: .032(R) .031(L). Bore Diameter: .657(R) .661(L). Bore Restriction: .008(R) .019(L). DAC: 1-5/8". DAH: 2-11/16". LOP: 14".
Inventory number: 5455

Excellent and original as found. Brls retain 95-98% original blue with only some light handling marks and rubs. Engine turning and damascening are strong. Action retains over 75% strong original case color. Thumbpiece is slightly silvered as is trigger guard tang. Color on forend latch is thinning at rear. Stocks retain nearly all their original finish with some light marks. Later pad is soft. Bores are brilliant and shiny. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. It is estimated that only 90 “XE” 16 bores were made, 79 in Philadelphia making this a very rare and collectible Fox. As with most everything from the Tauber Collection, this gun is choice! C&R. PROVENANCE: Ex. Estate collection of Dana Tauber.