Fox Collectors

I have an opportunity to look at, and possible purchase a Super Fox in the next few weeks. I am not new to double guns and own a few Foxes but thought I would never run into a SF locally.
The asking price is $$$$, which I am guessing is in the ballpark for a SF. I realize that condition is everything when determining value so I would like members thoughts on what might be something that could be of concern on SF’s, and that I should look for.
Unfortunately I need to make a decision on the day we meet as the seller has always stated a price and if you dilly dally he puts the gun away and is never brought up again.
He states the gun is in great condition and from past purchases he has always been accurate in his description.
I plan on taking my bore gauge and take a few measurements.
Here are a few other questions. Are 32” barrels and 3 inch chambers for desirable? Was there years of manufacturing that are more desirable?
Did SF have factory pads? Any particular markings beside the H I should look for?
Any information so I can better evaluate the gun is appreciated.
I realize there is a lot of different information on the internet I can and have read, but I am more comfortable taking advice for or members.
Thanks Phil

$5K is cheap money for a righteous Super.

Aside from overall condition, unmessed with chambers and chokes are the litmus test that it needs to pass to enhance the value. Silvers has had special gauges made to do an accurate assessment.

There are lots of other variables. Is it a rare graded Super, 2 3/4 inch vs3 inch? Barrel length? Correct stamping?

There are others way more competent than I am who will probably chime in soon.

A SF with 32” barrels and 3” chambers will command a higher price. However, I’ve shot a lot of ducks with mine and I’ve never used 3” shells. Just something to consider.

Thank you guys. If I end up purchasing I will post some pictures and specs.
Thanks Phil

I would get an AHFCA card on the gun before committing.

Here’s my two cents worth on the SF topic. 1st, ask yourself what your objective is for this gun. Are you wanting a gun to be used for waterfowl hunting or turkey hunting or for a collector specimen. If as a shooting/hunting gun what type of waterfowling do you do, (over decoys, etc.). As Jeff said many go nuts over a 32” barreled 3” chambered gun but most currently shooting them use 2 3/4” shells.

To me the barrels on a super Fox are most important. I would want all original bores, chokes and chambers. Keep in mind that while most may have been choked F/F not all of them were. Many SF’s left the factory with 2 3/4” chambers and were later altered/extended to 3”. In addition I would want the bores to be factory over bored (.740 +/-).
Secondly, make sure the stock is sound and an appropriate LOP for your needs. Many of these guns had a pad added later in life which is fine for shooting if LOP works for you but will hurt collector value. There are some that left the factory with a pad.

Another consideration is the actual weight of the gun for your intended purpose. The SF’s are heavy by design but there is a variation in that weight based upon length of barrels, density of wood, etc. etc.

Good luck with your purchase and keep us posted. As someone else suggested order the card so you know how the gun left the factory. That will help a lot with your assessment on condition, originality,,etc.

All great feedback. I will get a letter immediately upon getting the SN.
I will shoot a few duck by jump shooting ponds, as far hunting from a blind I will shoot Sandhill cranes, with an occasional goose.
I try to shoot all my guns, but admittedly I am also a collector with no specific grade or manufacture.
I just like VERY interesting stuff and really enjoy researching as much as I can a a particular gun.

Would love to see a pic of a SF w/a Sand Hill Crane! That would be cool!!!

So I purchased the gun today and will pick it up on Thursday. I ordered a card this evening. Now need to remember how to order a letter. Half round pistol grip, 32” barrels. Gun is in very good condition, original wood finish, good bluing and a fair amount of case color.
I will post some pictures and more details when I get it home.I plan on shooting some chuckers with the HE with vintage shells when I pick it up on Thursday morning.

Congratulations! Sounds like a good deal.

I’m pretty excited. I will send you a picture once I get the gun. Here is the card, sure wish I could make out the name.

I received the card today and wanted to share it. I wish I could read the name of the buyer.
I know there re some AI programs that might help but lack the knowledge of how to do it.

Possibility it’s Bob Smith (Sporting Goods in Boston). Many of the Record Cards I’ve seen just show: Bob Smith. I inputted the lower part of your Card to an AI App and it came back as a possibility but far from certain. frank

I am certain it is Bob Smith from Boston, a high volume dealer at the time. Bob Smith was the successor to Orren R. Dickey, a high volume Parker dealer and famous competitor with Parker shotguns. Dickey and Smith sold many Parker and Fox wildfowl guns. I have owned two 3" chamber, #2 frame 20 gauge Parkers sold by O.R. Dickey. O.R. Dickey won the Grand American Handicap at Live Birds in 1896, with a Parker Pigeon Gun. Congratulations on your HE Fox.

I foolishly sold my first O.R. Dickey 32" 3" chamber #2 frame 20 gauge Parker, but I found another identical gun, close in serial number. It resides in my gun rack next to a 32" 20 gauge HE Grade Super Fox and some other Super Fox 12 gauges. There is not another shotgun that will give satisfaction like these big guns. "How do you shoot clay targets with a gun that shoots a pattern the size of a saucer?" I don't know how to answer that question except to say that it's fun.