Shed Some Light on Fox Sterlingworth Gun

[christopheredward]

New to this and was wondering if anyone could shed some light on a gun I inherited from my grandfather recently. The markings include "Fox Sterlingworth", "Sterlingworth Fluid Compressed Steel", "Made By Savage Arms Corp., Utica, NY USA" and it looks as if there is a serial number that reads "308293"

It also seems to have two triggers. There also seems to be a slim piece that is broken off the back of the butt. Does anyone know:

- what year this serial number gun might have been made?
- Any ballpark on the current value if I were looking to sell it? There are some little dots of rust on the metal, but I don't think it would be classified as a lot...plus the wood piece missing from the back of the butt.....otherwise, it looks beautiful in terms of the craftsmanship, etc.
- I live near New Haven/Bridgeport, CT....if I were to re-store, are there any master craftsmen that could be recommended for Fox Guns in this area of the country?
- If re-stored, what would be the insured value ballpark?

Thanks in advance for any info! Chris

[Scott]

Chris,
How lucky you are to have your Grandfathers gun! I know most collectors on this site would love to have a day in the field with their Grandfathers gun if they could. Your Fox was made by the Savage Arms Corp. and you noted the side of the receiver is marked Fox Sterlingworth. and that tells us that it was made after 1929, that is when Savage Arms bought the AH Fox Gun Co. If your Sterlingworth was made before that it would only have Sterlingworth on the receiver.
Savage Arms made the Fox Sterlingworth until about 1945. The only way to find out exactly when your gun was made is to send for a letter from Mr. Callhan.

Write to John T Callahan at 53 Old Quarry Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Provide the serial number, gauge, and grade and enclose a check for $30 for Sterlingworths and $40 for graded guns. You will receive a letter in 4-8 weeks.

He has access to the factory records. He can tell you how your gun was configured when it left the factory and when and where it was shipped.
As for the value we need more information and it would be helpful to have pictures of the gun.
Do you know what gauge it is?
The serial number you post does not fall into any known range you will need to recheck it.

As for restoration.... I would have a Gunsmith that KNOWS FOX GUNS! Check it to be sure it is safe to shoot. That said I would not restore is as the cost of the work will exceed the value of the gun. IMO I would rather hunt with my Grandfathers worn gun.

Please post some pictures!
Scott

[MARSHFELLOW]

Chris,

Double check that serial number again....something doesnt seem just right.

tjw