A.H. Fox Sterlingworth 16 Gauge 28″ SxS Shotgun, 1915 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,302.99

LSB#: LSB260618HK006

Make: A.H. Fox Gun Company

Model: Sterlingworth

Serial Number: 352544

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1915 / C&R

Caliber/Gauge: 16 Gauge

Chokes: Left: Modified. Right: Modified. Both fixed.

Action Type: Side-by-side, break-open, internal-hammer shotgun with double triggers, a tang safety, and a single-piece dual extractor.

Markings: Both sides of the receiver are marked “STERLINGWORTH” with sunburst emblems. The top of the right barrel is marked “STERLINGWORTH FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL”. The top of the left barrel is marked “MADE BY A.H. FOX GUN CO. PHILA. PA. U.S.A.”. The water table carries patent information and is marked “352544”. The barrel flat is marked “352544”, “16 GA.”, and with a proof. The forend iron is also marked “352544”.

Barrel Length: 28″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver bead fixed to the finely checkered concave rib. The checkered sighting plane reduces glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a splinter forend, pistol grip, straight comb, black grip cap, and black buttplate. The stock has neutral cast. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ from the front trigger and 13 1/4″ from the rear trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are scattered scratches and compression marks. There are no chips or cracks in the wood. The buttplate has a small chip at the toe. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.

Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz

Type of Finish: Blued barrels and case-colored receiver.

Finish Originality: The receiver finish is original. The barrels and stocks have been refinished.

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. There is a small ding in the left barrel. In this writer’s opinion, the right bore rates 9/10 and the left bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: About 90% of the current metal finish remains. The refinished barrels show scattered light scratches and handling marks. The receiver’s case color has largely muted to silver-gray with patina and scattered blue-finish splatter. The trigger guard shows patina and operational wear. The markings remain legible, and the screw heads show light tool use. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Introduced in 1910, the Sterlingworth gave sportsmen A.H. Fox’s proven hammerless double-gun design in a simpler, more affordable field grade. The 16 Gauge version followed as part of Fox’s early small-bore expansion, and this Philadelphia-marked example dates to about 1915, placing it in the classic pre-Savage era of American double-gun manufacture.

This example retains its early Philadelphia character through matching major components and understated Sterlingworth engraving. The refinished barrels and stocks give it a cared-for presentation rather than untouched originality, while the honest receiver patina and left-barrel ding remain clear evidence of a long sporting life. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.