New User with Q: on this 16ga sterlingworth (pics)

[BMRENN]

Hello test post / introduction here...

Name: Bryan
Vice: Grouse Hunting
Favorite Gun: Obvious
Location: NE OH / SW PA

I have a 20ga Sterlingworth that was handed down to me from my Grandfather and is needless to say, my favorite gun. I intend to have a stock made one day when I obtain an accurate set of measurements from a qualified gun-fitter. Right now the drop is a little much for me and LOP is a bit short, but it has taken it's share of game and clays regardless and I've been wanting to start a collection of like guns. I recently stumbled upon a 16ga that is for sale and that’s the reason for my post.
I've attempted to attach some pictures. The overall condition is good, there is some case coloring left and no visible rust, pitting, dents or scratches on the metal. However, the stock appears to have been varnished at some point (which I am not fond of) and there is an issue with the lever.
The lever does not stay in the far right position when the gun is broken open, and in order to close the barrels, you have to open the lever with your thumb.
Can anyone speculate what the gun may be worth in this condition? I was told by a local gunsmith that if the lever issue is a spring that I may only be into him for $50 plus parts. I was told by another that if there is a part needed that they are very hard to find and very expensive. Finally, I recall a post somewhere a guy had a similar issue and a gunsmith had it resolved in less than an hour by custom making a part.
Thanks in advance for the help.

[bbman3]

Bryan,Welcome.Gun looks original to me but hard to tell looking at pictures.The top lever trip is in position as you can see it just in front of rotary bolt in picture of top of frame.$50 for a trip spring installed is very high.All you do is get a screwdriver that fits trigger plate screw,the screw in front of triggerguard.Carefully remove the screw and leave frame bottom up to prevent trip from falling out and drop another smallspring in screw hole and tighten screw back.You shoud be able to find new spring locally for less than a dollar. 16 gauge Foxes are hard to beat! Bobby

[birdawg]

Try applying a little penetrating oil and working the pin before anything else. This part seems to accumulate just enough gunk to jam it up.

[Silvers]

The comment in the first post about the closing problem may be read two ways...... the second possiblity is that the lever is staying open but not to the far right. And the lever must be manually pushed far right before the gun can be closed. This reading is somewhat supported by Bobby's eagle eyes that spotted the trip pin protruding from its hole in the frame.

If that's the case the trip pin and/or its mating slot in the bolt is/are worn. This repair work is beyond the capability of most except for very accomplished Fox gun tinkerers who have access to precision machine tools. In that event, contact with a good FOX GUNSMITH is the next step to get the problem resolved. Silvers

[Twice Barrel]

The comment in the first post about the closing problem may be read two ways...... the second possiblity is that the lever is staying open but not to the far right. And the lever must be manually pushed far right before the gun can be closed. This reading is somewhat supported by Bobby's eagle eyes that spotted the trip pin protruding from its hole in the frame.

If that's the case the trip pin and/or its mating slot in the bolt is/are worn. This repair work is beyond the capability of most except for very accomplished Fox gun tinkerers who have access to precision machine tools. In that event, contact with a good FOX GUNSMITH is the next step to get the problem resolved. Silvers

OR: It may be that the trip pin is not properly oriented in the receiver and is not protruding far enough to catch the bolt allowing the top lever to return to center.

When you remove the trigger plate screw to verify that the trip spring is in place check to see that the trip is oriented in the receiver with the flat portions of the trip are oriented to the rear and the right side (as viewed from the rear) and that the trip is able to fully extend into the recever in order to block the bolt from closing.