W.H.G. and the date 1912 on the receiver, this extraordinary A.H. Fox double barrel set bears the signatures of two of the top men in the Hartford engraving game of the early 20th century. Both Rudolph J. Kornbrath and William H. Gough were second generation gun engravers, Kornbrath hailing from Ferlach, Austria and Gough from Birmingham, with both making their way to the United States to ply their trade. Both men were on the rolls of Colt's engravers during the time in question as independent engravers; Kornbrath was taking both private and corporate commissions, and Gough was moonlighting as a freelance engraver while also serving as Ansley Fox's in-house engraving foreman. Responsible for a full redesign of Fox's engraving patterns at that time, Gough supervised a staff of up to 20 engravers, only putting tool to steel with his own hands for the best of the best of Fox's output, and this shotgun set certainly qualifies. Dimensions aside, the barrels are virtually identical, measuring 32 inches on the "1" barrel and 28 inches on the "2" barrel, with both constructed from Krupp fluid steel, bearing the Fox address, numbered to match the frame and outfitted with a pair of white bead sights and a matching-numbered forearm. Each is decorated with a 2 1/2 inch wedge of line-backed scroll and floral engraving at the muzzle along with a light zig-zag muzzle border, a pair of gold inlaid bands at the breech, and each side of the breech bearing a deeply cut, 4 3/4 inch long scene of a Native American woman on the hunt. Each huntress is armed with a recurved bow and crouched in a mixture of woodland engraving and fine leafy scroll, giving the appearance of a lush yet abstract forest. The woman on the left is lining up a shot on a fine buck which is springing over a fallen branch, and the one on the right has just planted an arrow directly behind the shoulder of an angry bear, already reaching for the next arrow out of her quiver. The signature "R.J.KORNBRATH" is rendered in block letters on the left breech scene of both barrels. A fine casehardened finish is present on the frame, which is marked "SPECIAL" on the jeweled and engraved water table. Yes, you read that right, a section of fine leafy vine engraving along with vine borders is present on the water table. The exterior surface shows 99% plus coverage of superb engraving, chiefly in the form of intertwined leafy scrollwork, with geometric border patterns, floral accents, and the signature "WHG 1912" on the lower right side, concealed among the border work. A number of gold inlays are present on the frame, with a pointer dog on each side, flowers on the recoil shields, each end of the barrel hinge pin, and on the underside ahead of the trigger guard, the "S" safety position, a pigeon standing next to a tree on the underside, a pair of geese in flight on the trigger guard and the serial number repeated on the lower tang. The shotgun is fitted with fancy walnut furniture. Both forearms have an ebony tip wedge, diamond accent panels ahead of the engraved takedown latch, and scroll border accents at the rear. The pistol grip stock shows similar diamond and scroll accents at the wrist, with checkering and carved leaf designs on the flats, steel grip cap engraved to match the frame, and a similarly engraved skeletal buttplate on the flat checkered butt. Measurements: weight - 6 pounds 13.4 ounces (with barrel #2 installed), chokes - modified/modified (#1) and improved cylinder/improved modified (#2), chambers - 2 3/4 inches (#1 and #2), drop at comb - 1 1/2 inches, drop at heel - 2 1/4 inches, length of pull - 14 inches.

Extremely fine. Both barrel groups show over 98% of the original blue finish, with some minor handling marks. Most of the bright and vivid case colors are present in the protected areas of the heavily embellished frame, with a mixed silver and brown patina overall and a few light spots of wear. The wood is excellent, with some dark streaking on the buttstock, mild handling marks overall, crisp checkering and attractive grain. Mechanically excellent. The engraving is all superb, every inch what you would expect from two of America's ultimate top master engravers, with the barrel scenes being particularly noteworthy; even on top-end arms, most barrel engraving is limited to mild, shallow scroll designs, with scenes of this depth and complexity simply not seen. A one of a kind weapon, and a masterpiece of American arms engraving. A once in a lifetime opportunity to own undoubtedly the finest A.H. Fox shotgun extant!