1936 Fox Sterlingworth 12 Gauge

[rfox22]

Hoping someone can help. I recently acquired a 1936 12 gauge, but am not sure of the grade. I am also interested in knowing what you may think is the true value of this gun. It has a beavertail forestock and is in excellent condition, with what appears to be all original finish and blueing. Your thoughts are welcome.

[Magwa45]

I am just a beginner at this, but Sterlingworths are not graded guns. Some are used as project guns and have custom engraving added. The Sterlingworths were simple guns with all the mechanical features of more expensive Fox guns without the fancy engraving and fine wood of the graded guns.

[Scott]

Rfox,
Your gun is a Sterlingworth. It appears from the photos that the metal has been refinished at some point and the receiver has been blued. It was originally color case hardened. It also appears that the wood has been replaced and the beavertail is not original. To help determine the value we will need to know the barrel length and also if the barrels have been modified in any way and if there are any dents in them. We also need to know if the rib is loose or not. Let's assume the barrels are good, You have a $350.00 retail gun here in the Northeast. Please don't shoot the messenger!
Regards, Scott

[Researcher]

Scott said it all. That is not original finsh on the metal and that is not original wood. Another one of these late guns with a Philly style safety slide and top lever.

I'll bet it is a 26-inch barrel gun. All the other 12-gauge Fox-Sterlingworths I've recorded in the 160xxx and 161xxx range are 26-inch barrel guns, except for one with an extra set of 28-inch barrels.

[rfox22]

Thanks for all of the replies. Not sure how you know that the wood is not original or not...I will have to inspect closer! Rib is as tight as if it were welded on. The barrels are short, and I believe that I measured them at 26". Virtually no dents, and I cannot discern any modification to the barrels. Again, thanks.

[Scott]

rfox22,
Just many years of experince and looking at 100's of Foxes. I am judging this by the poor fit of the wood. A beavertail is a RARE option on a Sterlingworth and in my 35 years of collecting I have only seen a few that are original.
Can you provide some pictures of the complete stock and forend including checkering?
Scott

[George Lander]

rfox22: You have a very nice looking Sterlingworth and with 26 inch barrels & BTFE (even though probably not original) you have what we call DOWN SOUTH here a "BIRD GUN" that I would say is worth $600 - $900 down here in DIXIELAND. Congrats on being a Fox Owner.

Best Regards, George