[Guest]

A man in my church inherited a FOX Sterl. 20 ***** with 20 inch barrels. The barrels do not look to have been cut down. It is in mint condition but I can't remember the date on it. It seems like it was early 1900's. Any idea as to value. I told this gentleman I'd try to help him find out. Thanks.

 

[MarlandS]

These may be a bit low...
STERLINGWORTH
- 12, 16, or 20 ga., 26, 28, or 30 in. barrels, various chokes, boxlock, extractors, double trigger, checkered pistol grip stock. Mfg. 1905-30.
Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
N/A $1,475 $1,250 $975 $875 $750 $575 $500 $450 $395 $350 $300

Add 33% for auto ejectors.
Add 50% for 20 ga.
Add 20% for 16 ga.
Add 25% for single trigger

 

[Guest]

MarlandS,
Here's the exact info. Made in 1904. It is a 16 gauge with auto ejectors and double triggers. Checkerd grip. Forgot to ask him about the foregrip but I believe it also was checkerd. The barrels are 22" with and the blueing and over all condition about 90%.
I'm assuming from your response post that FOX only made the Sterlingworth with 26, 28, and 30" barrels? If this is the case and the gun was cut down, what would you say is the approximate value? Thanks.

 

[MarlandS]

Ulrich1, made or patented in '04? I'm asking because the Fox serialization chart only goes down to 1913 even though the bluebook and other sources give '05 for the Fox Gun co start..

If the barrels were cut down, I'm not saying they were , it would knock the stuffing out of the value possibly down to shooter levels ( $500 or less), however, if they were factory length at 20 inches it would be a rare model and worth a bit more.

We'll need to find a Fox historian that would know

 

[Guest]

MarlandS,
I spoke with this gentleman tonight after church. He is 72 years old and received this shotgun from his next door neighbor when she passed away a few years ago. She was in her 80's. It was her late husbands shotgun and he was an avid bird hunter. According to a note he had left with the gun there were two dates mentioned. Patent date August 1904 and 1907. This man can't find a date on the gun but I'm sure its there somewhere. The serial number is something around 35,000 or 37,000 mark, I don't remember which. I'm going to take a look at it tommorrow. However, this man told me his brother found in a book a Sterlingworth with 22" barrels. I have emailed Fox company to inquire if they ever made them with barrels that short. Will keep you posted. Thanks.

 

[MarlandS]

Please let me know what you find out, especially the rarity or lack of.. oh yeah, the serial should start at 351,000 and go from there...

 

[Guest]

Then it was 350,000 something. I thought I was missing a digit when I put them in. Will let you know. I'm even more curious now. Kinda feel like Sherlock Holmes.

 

[Guest]

MarlandS,
I have just come from viewing this shotgun. I also checked out the information the previous owner had written down and stored with it: Here goes:
Serial # 358174
Pat. Aug. 16, 1904
Other Pats. Oct. 17, 1905
All Pat. 11-16, 1906 until June 11, 1912
"Sterlingworth Fluid Compressed steel" on right hand barrel
On left barrel, "Made by A.H. Fox Gun com., Philadelphia, PA USA
22" double barrel 16 gauge.

I'm assuming that the original owner had at some point had someone gather this info for him, primarily in regards to the Pat. dates. I could find no date anywhere on the gun. I also could not figure out how to remove the forearm so as to break the gun down.

I would personally add that the blue is about 80-85%. Double triggers, checkered pistol grip and forearm, small area on forerm where finish is scuffed off, Automatic ejectors, Hard plastic butt pad with ridges in it, bores are mirror shiney, Some light engraving on the receiver but nothing really elaborate or fancy. I would also say that the barrels did NOT in any way look to have been cut down. I could be wrong but if they were it is the best job I've ever seen. I wonder if it was custom ordered? Overall rating would be Very Good +. I'd love to have this gun as my quail gun.
Hope this info can help you further help me to help him.
Thanks.
Ulrich1

 

[MarlandS]

If you really want to impress your friend send the serial number and a $25 check to
Mr. John Callahan
53 Old Quarry RD.
Westfield MA. 01085

he'll send factory specs for when it left the factory

 

[Guest]

Hello,
The serial number dates the gun to 1922. Ejectors were an option on this model. The 22" barrels would lend me to believe they were cut. However, Fox was known for doing custom work for people. Is there any choke left in the barrels?