A.H. Fox Sterlingworth 28″ Full/Mod 16 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1924 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3625
LSB#: 230407GS001
Make: A.H. FOX
Model: Sterlingworth
Serial Number: 358289
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1924
Gauge: 16 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Top-Break Side by Side with Extractor
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Modified, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is dished and serrated to reduce glare.
Weight: 5 lb., 14.8 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black hard rubber buttplate. The stocks have several scattered light scratches, nicks and scuffs. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ and 13 1/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear on the heel and toe. The drop at comb is approximately 1 5/8″, drop at heel 2 7/8″. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is some minor fouling in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate an 9.5 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950’s.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning on some of the edges. The barrels have infrequent light finish wear and thin scratches. Both muzzles show light thinning. The receiver has a majority of its case color remaining. The left rear of the rib shows a small marr that has removed some finish. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation and minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. The safety engages automatically when the lever is pressed. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with the original cardboard box from A.H. Fox with the matching serial number and 1924 newspaper cartoons.
Our Assessment: This is a fine example of a quality made affordable shotgun from the beginning of the 20th century. Fox Gun Company was founded in 1898 and produced shotguns of varying grades of fanciness with levels of engraving, finishes, barrel materials, etc., but all with uniform quality. The Sterlingworth was the model which brought that quality to the masses, with simple border engraving being the only adornment and all other effort being put simply into the quality of manufacture. This example was produced around 1924, after the Great War and four years into the dry spell of American Prohibition. The gun is in Very Good condition with great bores for a 100+ year old gun, some wear in the stocks and strong mechanics. The Fox Sterlingworth is a classic American double from the heyday of American doubles, perfect for any collection.
-Luke