Acquired a Beauty this Weekend

[Hutch5252]

I've always wanted a Sterlingworth...and finally found one in the condition I wanted. I hope you agree that I did well. I am thrilled with the quality, and think I did really well on the price ($1,250). She's a 16 with 28" barrells. I acquired it from the original owner's son. Although I have a number of side/sides and over/unders, none are all that special...but I believe I found one here. Just a solid, well maintained piece of Americana.

However, I do have a problem (posted to the parts section too). I no very little about Sterlingworths, but the front forearm will not stay on the gun. I did a little research and believe the problem is a missing 'fore end spring'. There is no way to snap it to the gun. Pics of the area enclosed. Am I correct?

Also, I'd like to know more about the manufacture and plan to send for a letter. The serial number is 376540. The seller said he thinks it was bought in '36. Does that sound right? It was his dad's gun.

[markgphil]

A beauty! Congrats. I have a philly 16 ejector gun. My favorite gun.

[dennis2146]

Congratulations on a fine shotgun. I just received letters on two of my 16 gauge Sterlingworths. One has a serial number of 374126 and was shipped in February, 1939.
Dennis