A.H. Fox Sterlingworth Pin Gun 30″ 12 GA SXS Side by Side Shotgun, 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $740
WOA#: WY240316TM002
Make: A.H. FOX
Model: Sterlingworth, “Pin Gun”
Serial Number: 62216
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1911 (https://doublegunshop.com/dgsnos1.htm)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Top-Break Side by Side with Extractor
Markings: The top of the left barrel is marked “MADE BY A.H. FOX GUN CO. PHILA. PA. U.S.A.” the top of the right is marked “STERLINGWORTH FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL”. The barrel flat is marked with the serial number and a Fox proof. The top of the forend iron is marked with the serial number. The water table is marked with the serial number and patent dates. Each side of the receiver is marked “STERLINGWORTH”. The bottom tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 30”
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 serrated to reduce glare.
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 scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There is some finish wear in the right of the grip. There are a couple of tiny losses at the front edge of the wrist. The checkering is well defined. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ and 13 3/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear with well defined serrations. Drop at comb is approximately 1 5/8″, drop at heel 2 3/4″. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrels & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate about 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have generally strong finish. Exposed portions of the receiver have mostly worn or gone to a light patina, there is some good case color in protected areas. The guard is mostly worn to white. There is a little minor surface oxidation. There are some scattered minor nicks and tiny scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. 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: None.
Our Assessment: 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 1911, shortly after the Sterlingworth was introduced. It is of interest to collectors as a “Pin Gun”, having recesses around the hinge pin reminiscent of the Parker Brothers guns of the era. The gun is in Very Good condition, appearing to have seen responsible use in the field with about 80% of its finish remaining. It has great bores for a 110 year old gun and could be back out in the field for another century. The Fox Sterlingworth is a classic American double from the heyday of American doubles, and this “Pin Gun” is perfect for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
