I have this old gun... Fox Sterlingworth double-shotgun

NRA4Life

NRA4Life

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It's a 12ga Fox Sterlingworth, 30" side-by-side, double triggers with case-hardened & edge-engraved reciever... I got it with my father's collection a few years back; and I don't know much about it---neither did he, apparently: he just liked the classic styling... This one 'bit-me' once, and I'm a little more partial to over-unders. I'm pretty sure it's early 20th century; but, I'd be happy to be corrected. :cheers: Any ideas about its value (I'm guessing about $1500)?

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Ansley H Fox built some of the finest game guns made in America. Ansley Fox was an innovator, a consummate entrepreneur, and a perfectionist. He was more concerned about selling the best guns he could possibly construct, than he was about making a profit doing it. His graded guns are highly desirable to this day.

In addition to his firearms venture, he designed and built an automobile - which was also built to such high standards that it was impossible to make a profit.

The Sterlingworth model was introduced later in the company's evolution. It was intended to be a lower quality, more affordable model. As such, it holds less value than a graded Fox. However, the Sterlingworth model was also less durable than the more expensive graded pieces. Because of this, most specimens are in poor condition these days. Based solely on your photos, yours seems to be in good condition compared to most. The value of a Sterlingworth in Canada today will vary from $100 for one in poor condition to $1200 for one in excellent condition. IMO, yours looks to be worth between $600 and $900, depending on how tight the action is, on whether the bluing is as good as it looks in the photos, whether the barrels are pitted, etc.

Graded Fox guns are still made according to the original pattern by the Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co.
 
I would call these extractors...

... also, the bluing is original and near-perfect, the bores are mirror-like, and there's still traces of the case-colours (although slight) on the reciever. The action is rock-solid, no play. Wood is good, not immaculate---it's obviously been in the field---but, certainly not abused! :)

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BTW, the discolouration around the chamber-face is grease, not rust!
All serial numbers match on this specimen: behind trigger-guard, on flat of receiver, and on the barrels.

straightshooter said:
Ansley H Fox built some of the finest game guns made in America. Ansley Fox was an innovator, a consummate entrepreneur, and a perfectionist. He was more concerned about selling the best guns he could possibly construct, than he was about making a profit doing it. His graded guns are highly desirable to this day.

In addition to his firearms venture, he designed and built an automobile - which was also built to such high standards that it was impossible to make a profit.

The Sterlingworth model was introduced later in the company's evolution. It was intended to be a lower quality, more affordable model. As such, it holds less value than a graded Fox. However, the Sterlingworth model was also less durable than the more expensive graded pieces. Because of this, most specimens are in poor condition these days. Based solely on your photos, yours seems to be in good condition compared to most. The value of a Sterlingworth in Canada today will vary from $100 for one in poor condition to $1200 for one in excellent condition. IMO, yours looks to be worth between $600 and $900, depending on how tight the action is, on whether the bluing is as good as it looks in the photos, whether the barrels are pitted, etc.

Graded Fox guns are still made according to the original pattern by the Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co.
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Since no one is going to take me to task or sue me, I'll take a guess at anything, my guess was based on it being in NRA "very good" condition, and folks could adjust up or down depending on closer exam. of condition.
 
Value could fluctuate based on barrel specs...need to know gauge, overall length, chamber length, chokes. What is the stock like under that pad? Looks like a nice gun.
 
dilly said:
Value could fluctuate based on barrel specs...need to know gauge, overall length, chamber length, chokes. What is the stock like under that pad? Looks like a nice gun.
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It's 12-gauge, 3" chamber (as near as I can tell). I haven't measured the chokes and I don't have the calipers to do it; but, most Fox Sterlingworth guns are full-full AFAIK. I checked under the leather sleeve on the butt, there's a slight tan-line, but it's clear of defects... There is a foam pad adhering to the butt, and the leather is attached to that; but, the laced sleeve is a separate piece, but adheres lightly to the pad around its circumferance.

I have recently been informed that the serial numbers put production of this gun around 1913-1914.

Cheers,

Tyler

BTW, I *like* ugly guns, e.g., the Norinco Type 97, and it's progenitor the FAMAS... OTOH, I don't mind the smell of dead skunk, either. LOL!
 
I am inclined to agree with you...

Win/64 said:
I doubt its 3".
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I don't really have the proper tools to measure it (my fingers are too chubby)... I know that a 3" shell will fit in a 2-3/4" chamber, but will create dangerous over-pressure (because the chambers are sized to accomodate a 'fired' shell); however, I'll have to look up the standard 3" chamber-length... There is a slight chance that the barrel might have been modified to take 3" shells. I imagine it would probably decrease the value of the piece if it has...
 
NRA4Life said:
It's 12-gauge, 3" chamber (as near as I can tell). I haven't measured the chokes and I don't have the calipers to do it; but, most Fox Sterlingworth guns are full-full AFAIK. I checked under the leather sleeve on the butt, there's a slight tan-line, but it's clear of defects... There is a foam pad adhering to the butt, and the leather is attached to that; but, the laced sleeve is a separate piece, but adheres lightly to the pad around its circumferance.

I have recently been informed that the serial numbers put production of this gun around 1913-1914.

Cheers,

Tyler

BTW, I *like* ugly guns, e.g., the Norinco Type 97, and it's progenitor the FAMAS... OTOH, I don't mind the smell of dead skunk, either. LOL!
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The Ansley Fox shotgun with 3" chambers was the HE Grade. They are quite rare and worth a considerable premium over a Model lettered Fox (A Grade and up). I have an HE Grade Fox and it's built like a tank but handles like a dream. BTW, the "E" after the model letter signifies "ejector". Lifter guns are Model letter only.

The Sterlingworth was an entry level shotgun made by Ansley Fox. He was not fond of having to produce an entry level shotgun to compete with his competition and as such, would not allow his name on the shotgun for the first few years. In subsequent years the Sterlingworth was recognized as a high quality well built shotgun and Ansley Fox agreed to have his name appied.

The Fox Sterlingworth is recognized today as a well built shotgun from a time when quality really mattered. If the bores are shiney with no pits, choke is original, locks up tight and has original finish on metal and wood. $1200 is a fair price.
 
Perhaps not for you...

SuperCub said:
Nice shotgun, but not $1200 nice.
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That's my No-Questions-Asked-Take-It-Away-price... One man's trash is another man's treasure... A lot of the stuff in my vault are considered collector's pieces in different circles. I'll be listing an original 11mm Mauser 71/84 service rifle shortly as well. I'll looking for some new iron; so, reasonable offers will be carefully considered.
 
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