Fox Collectors

While at a show today, I handled a very nice CE with a straight grip and 26" barrels. I believe that it was a 2nd generation. Now, first of all, if this gun belongs to a member of the forum, I am not trying to find fault with it, or discredit the owner. I'm just seeking "authentication". On Fox guns, I'm accustomed to seeing a certain style or "signature" in the stock. As the wrist transitions into the large portion of the stock, the "rise" has a small flat spot, and the wood has a nice shape as it widens. I can't describe it properly so I have attached a picture. On the gun I held today, this portion of the stock was somewhat "rounded" and didn't have the shaping I'm accustomed to. Unfortunately, I wasn't mentally quick enough check the manufacturing location. Did the profile of the stock change at the Utica Plant? I put a tape measure around the wrist and it appeared to be 4 1/2". Also, for what it's worth, when I shouldered the gun I couldn't help noticing that the checkering was pretty sharp in my hands. Any thoughts?

The early guns from the Ansley period have a different shape to the comb nose it is slimmer with a noticeable flat area on the end of the comb. Later guns have a fatter look with a rounded comb nose.
Many XE and above with late style engraving have a comb nose that is very similar to the early era combs, more refined. I have seen many Fox guns but I was fooled recently on a gun I purchased. The gunsmith took it apart for some minor maintenance and it was not stamped with a serial number on the head. It was a very old and well done replacement. Craig

Interesting, thanks for the tips. The stock on the CE looked great, but it was slightly different that what I'm accustomed to. Thanks again, Jeff