Philadelphia Arms Fox A

[Dean Romig]

Yep, I misspoke when I called it a "Sterly".

Wasn't this gun's design and production the result of Ansley having recently left the employ of Parker Bros.?

[alcaviglia]

Yes, I believe so. Even the safety looks like a Parker.

[Bill Murphy]

Ansley employed by Parker Brothers? Where is Mr. Noreen when we need him?

[B. Dudley]

I have heard that before as well, but I do not know if there is any truth behind it.

You would think there to be some connection given all the similarities between The Parker and Philly Arms guns.

[Dean Romig]

We know for fact that he owned at least one Parker gun and that he shot competitively with it and I had heard or read that he was employed by PB for a short period... Dave Noreen, can you verify this or disprove it?

[Researcher]

Ansley H. Fox was never employed by Parker Bros. to my knowledge. He left his partners in the Fox Gun Co., Balto., MD., U.S.A. in January 1900, when they went on to become Baltimore Arms Co. Ansley went to work as a professional shooter for the big W representing their line of ammunition and shooting a Parker Bros. gun. He often shot under the name LEADER, Winchester's premium shell. He was using the Parker when he carried the highest average for the entire week's events at the Grand American Handicap in April 1900, but only got 24 out of 25 birds in the GAH itself. By August 1900, the big W had Ansley shucking one of their Model 1897s. At the GAH of 1901 he again carried the high average for the entire week's events, and this time ran 25 straight in the GAH too --



But, he missed the first bird in the shoot-off. I've often wondered if missing that bird with the Model 1897 wasn't what caused Ansley to go off and found two more companies to build double barrel shotguns.

I have a Grade A 12 ga. with 30" Krupp barrels, #628, that I picked up for exactly $450 in rougher shape than the one you are considering.

Any more info? Pictures? I'd like to add this gun to my list of observed PAC guns.

[B. Dudley]

I see that restored one listed on GB is not far from me. I may have to take a trip and check that one out in person.

One of the major reasons I have wanted to own one was to be able to physically compare some of the very similar parts in the Philly guns to parts in Parker guns. I would be curious if the forend latches interchange.

[Dean Romig]

Thanks Dave. I guess that dispels the myth of Ansley having been employed by PB.

My apologies to everyone that I had been the perpetuator of the myth on this forum.

[alcaviglia]

Please do add it to your list.

PAC Fox Grade A
s/n: 628
30" 12 ga. Krupp barrels
Right Choke: .026"
Left Choke: .034"
DT, extractor
LOP (front trigger): 13-7/8"
Comb: 1-9/16"
Heel: 2-1/2"

Purchased from private seller (St. Cloud, FL) on 14 December, 2012; received on 10 January, 2013. He inherited the shotgun from his late step-father.

Below are a few of the pictures taken when I received it.


-Al

[Mills]

I sure hope we convinced you to buy this one. It sure is a nice one