STERLINGWORTH or FOX STERLINGWORTH ??

[SXS ohio]

IT has come to my attention that some Philly SW guns just have the word Sterlingworth on the frame sides but others have two words Fox sterlingworth? Why is this? thanks Kenny SXS Ohio

[Silvers]

Fox Sterlingworth began to appear on the frame panels after Savage bought the company and its assets including parts were moved to Utica NY. Earlier Utica guns typically have visible Phila styling features like levers, safety buttons, forends, etc. I've owned some early Fox/Utica guns that were assembled with Phila address barrels, and factory letters confirmed they were made in the early 1930's in Utica.

[SPE33]

There are also guns with the barrels stamped.... Made by the A.H.Fox gun company for Savage Arms.Possibly stamped like that after Savage took over Fox but before the move? Does anyone have any other thoughts on guns so marked? If I ever see another one I think I would consider picking it up just because they are something a little different.

[Researcher]

There were a number of various barrel markings used during the transition period. Some are shown in the identification and markings section on our home page, towards the bottom --

http://www.foxcollectors.com/ah_fox/con ... amp_2.html

I have recorded quite a few 12-gauge guns in that high serial number, cleanup batch, in the 160xxx and 161xxx range with the right barrels roll-stamped STERLINGWORTH FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL. The one I own, has the capped pistol grip stock, and the Philadelphia style top lever and safety slide. It was shipped in early 1938.

[SXS ohio]

I went back and looked at some guns and Philly guns have the single word Sterlingworth. They can be poorly stamped. It looks like Savage made up a new stamp, Fox Sterlingworth with clean clear letters with a slight cant. I must say I like the look of it better....

[Researcher]

There seems to be a long transition zone for 12-gauge guns marked STERLINGWORTH (as high as the mid 128xxx range) to those marked FOX-STERLINGWORTH (as low as the low 122xxx range). I've recorded some guns up to the low 129xxx range with FOX-STERLINGWORTH in a much larger font then on later guns. Larger fonts are also found on the barrel roll-stamping on some guns during the transition era.