Filled a hole in the Fox den

[Craig Larter]

Originally Posted by Chris Robenalt

That's just a great pair of Foxes Craig! You probably don't know me from Adam, but I'm the other "Fox First" guy....I have a few, but never posted. I have a 1921 XE. Mine has rebates in the frame, and noticed your's don't. Can you tell me when they started adding those? What's the vintage of your's? I'll post pics of mine eventually. Once again, congrats on a fine set of XEs! I never get tired of viewing a fine looking Fox!
Chris, AZ

Chris my two guns were made in 1915 & 1916, they are what many call the head down fox style. I believe the first XE made with a heads up fox and rebates is 22945.

[Researcher]

From my observations it seems that those X and higher "features" of rebates, profiled breech balls and the lock-screw on the tang-screw seem to be very hit or miss.

I can remember collectors who only wanted XE-Grades like this --

29320 07 Watertable.JPG

that had all three of the "features."

Craig, I can't tell from your pics if your guns have the profiled breech balls. XE-Grades 22458 and 22578 are "head down" that have profiled breech balls but no rebates or lock screw --

22578 05.jpg

XE-Grade 22088 doesnot have profiled breech balls --

22088 04.jpg

[Craig Larter]

Dave 21773 does not have the profiled breech balls, 22416 does. 21773 also has the standard length forend.

[Chris Robenalt]

Dave, my 1921 XE has the lock screw on the tang bolt, I believe profiled breech balls, and rebates. I also notice, a sculpted muzzle in the rib caps? I may post pics tomorrow for the guys.

[Chris Robenalt]

Craig, these guns look so much alike, same configuration, same condition, are they from the same collection? How did you come across these beauties?
Chris, AZ

[Keavin Nelson]

A beautiful pair Craig, the best of the gun makers art!