16 gauge Sterlingworth circa 1913

[Bryan Lee]

Hello all,

I just had the good fortune to acquire a fairly nice 16 gauge Sterlingworth. According to the info I have found on Fox serial numbers my gun was made in 1913 which was the first year for 16 gauge Sterlingworths. My question would be: at serial number 351439 would that make it the 439th 16 gauge Sterlingworth to come out of the factory? I'm assuming so, but you know what they say about assumptions.....

Also, are research letters available for Sterlingworths? I know that they used to be for graded Foxes. If so, who do you send your request to and what is the fee?

Thanks!

Bryan

[Researcher]

Serial numbers for 16-gauge Sterlngworths began at 350000, so your gun would be the 1439th. Sterlingworth research letters are available from the Savage historian --

Mr. John T. Callahan
53 Old Quarry Road
Westfield, MA 01085

Last price I've seen quoted was $30 for a Sterlingworth and $40 for a graded gun.

[Bryan Lee]

Hi Researcher,

Thanks for the info. The chart I read in the back of the blue book states 351000 as the start of 16 gauge Sterly serial numbers.
From what you're telling me the chart is wrong? I'm not trying to argue, just trying to get the right info.

One thing is for sure, this gun shows the good Philly craftsmanship.

Thanks again!!

Bryan

[Silvers]

351000 is the estimated last serial number at the end of 1913, not at the start of production. As Dave noted, the numbers for 16 SW's started at 350000. To illustrate, I recently posted about 3503xx in the Members Forum. Silvers

[Bryan Lee]

OK, MM's book also gives 350000 as the start of 16 gauge sterlingworth serial numbers.

I suppose mine would be circa 1914.

It really doesn't matter, It's certainly an early Philly era Sterlingworth.


Thanks,

Bryan