Pretty 20 gauge Sterlingworth

[Witty1]

Found an add on the web for a Fox Sterlingworth 20 gauge, final mark down department, with on blurry picture of the whole gun. The receiver looked shinny and the stock number would match a serial number 2528XX of a 1913 20 gauge, additional pictures available. Emailed the store, than called was told we will have to take pictures and will email them in a few days. These are the pictures that were sent to me from the store, enjoy.











After seeing the pictures I tagged the buy now icon and input my information. Free shipping UPS ground, which seemed to take forever from Utah. Of course UPS delivered to my local Hardware store in PA when I was on a business trip. So when they called me for pickup I said it would have to wait till Saturday. But I asked how does it look? They said pretty, I replied pretty you normally don’t describe a gun as pretty, they said this one is.

Inspected it Saturday couldn’t find much wrong with it, a nicely restored 1913 STW, 26 inch exactly, need to get my bore gages back from my buddy, but that didn’t matter when I saw it. Has an after marked recoil pad, white bead, barrels reblued, ring, perfect rib, no dents, no pits. Receiver has nice deep engraving, not buffed, nice case colors, but not factory looking. Wood looks original but freshened up, checkering nicely done, a few handling marks but not much. Who ever restored it the must have started out with a really clean gun.

Two issues the forearm iron is blued, now should that be case colored to be historicly correct? And the auto safety doesn’t work, but the safety does, so I assume the push rod has been removed. Where can I find a 20 gauge safety rod?

[Researcher]

I hate to rain on anyones parade, but that torch case color job would be the kiss of death for me. Who knows what else the restorer would have done wrong if he did that!! Hot blued the barrels? As far as the forearm Iron it seems the A.H. Fox Gun Co. flipped back and forth on that. All my guns are packed in the safe right now, but as I recall a blued forearm iron would be right in this period. I know my real late Utica Fox-Sterlingworths have case colored forearm irons.

[Silvers]

I agree with Dave on the torch colors and possibility of additional work not done as it should have been. It sure looks like the frame has been colored with an oxy-acetylene torch; that will spot anneal it.

It might be the angle of the gun in the second pic but Fox levers usually aren't that far right of center. The color bar about 1/3 way down the lever might be an indication it was heated and bent to the right to make the lockup look better. I hope not. You just received the gun on Saturday; do you have any recourse with the seller?

A safety pushrod is easily made up from 1/8" diameter mild steel stock. Some pushrods have heads like a common nail, others don't. It doesn't seem to matter. There is some variation in the length of the rods and each must be "fitted" by trial and error when the gun is apart. Silvers

[Witty1]

Well that's not good news on the case color. I have a ten day return policy. Frank let me send you a PM.

[fox-admin]

I would send that gun back in a heart beat if you have a 10 day inspection period. Plenty of nice untouched shooter out in the marketplace.

[Fin2Feather]

Might just be the angle, but the top lever sure looks bent to me. Lay a straightedge through the engraving.

[ROMAC]

Definately case colored by torch. You should send it back with no exceptions.

Keep us informed of you you make out with it. I'd call my credit card company if that is how you paid for it and put a stop on the payment if you have any problem with the return.

[FRBRIT]

Ditto on the torch case color job. This looks like one of old ED's torch restored guns. I suggest following the others advice and send it back ASAP.

[Witty1]

Well the gun got shipped back for a full refund. Live and learn, thanks for all the advice. The Fox hunt continues.

[fox-admin]

Now that we saved your butt on the gun deal how about spending $25.00 and join the Fox Collectors Assoc. ??????

[Witty1]

Will do, I want to take advantage of the number look up anyway. It's a great deal . Thanks again.