I own several Foxes, and I can tell you that earlier Philadelphia Foxes had chokes that were 4 to 4 1/2 inches in length, and for those early guns measuring the choke length can be a good indication. I own several Utica guns and have measured many more, with original chokes that are around 2 1/2 inches. If it is a graded gun, getting the order card from the Fox site is the best and fastest way to tell. I had the same question you have and almost passed on a nice original 16ga Sterlingworth Deluxe because it had 2 1/2 inch chokes. I also own a 26 inch C Grade Fox that I was sure was cut by looking at it. When I requested the original order card for the gun (see below), you can see where the 28 inch barrels are scratched out, and 26 penciled in over top of it, indicating that a 28 in gun was pulled from stock and modified to fill an order. Fox chokes also taper evenly from the back to the front with no flat spots in the constriction if you are measuring.
Mike
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"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." - Thomas Jefferson
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