Info on Sterlingworth

[OrionRecArms]

Thanks for allowing me to register and post here. Here is a Fox Sterlingworth 12 GA Shotgun, and I'd like to ask the professionals on this Forum for a little help. Based on the S/N, it appears to be a 1917 shotgun. Client thought a 1923. However, it must have been re-barreled at some point, and I am guessing for 2 3/4 shells at that point. The info on the barrel states Savage Firearms, Chicopee Falls, MA. 12 gauge 2 3/4" chamber. S/N is 81017. All matching numbers on receiver, forearm, trigger guard, and barrel.

I have several other pictures, so if you need something else posted, let me know. I appreciate any help with this. I just wanted to gather as many facts prior to listing it elsewhere.

Thanks!
Ken

[Researcher]

That is what it looks like. Savage Arms Corp. consolidated their arms making operations at their J. Stevens Arms Co. factories in Chicopee Falls, Mass. in 1947. The old Savage factory at Utica, NY, went to making items to supply the post-war housing boom. In 1961, Savage/Stevens/Fox moved to the modern factory in Westfield, Mass. So, the gun was done between 1947 and 1960. This was the Savage policy --

I don't know what the prices were in the 1950s, but in the 1960s you could by a pretty darn good 12- or 16-gauge Sterlingworth for what Savage commanded for a set of barrels.

According to the available serial number chronology the gun would have originally been of 1918 vintage, and it was intended for 2 3/4 inch 12-gauge shells when it was built, but the A.H. Fox Gun Co. held chambers about 1/8 inch short believing that better patterns were obtained by the mouth of the case extending into the forcing cone a bit upon firing creating a better gas seal. Parker Bros. did the same.

[vaturkey]

Not sure exactly what you are asking. Gun was rebarreled by Savage very late. It's a 12 gauge Sterly and not in the greatest of shape. In summary, this gun isn't worth a bunch of money. I'd say go to Gunbroker and see what similar guns are bringing. If you want a pure guess I'd say 500 dollars at most.

[OrionRecArms]

The gun isn't in bad shape....or I don't think. It is probably my pictures that don't do it justice. Halogen lights shining brightly on the gun in the basement. I have other pics as well, if necessary. I appreciate the feedback so far. Just looking for as much info as I can get. I don't want to misrepresent anything.

[MARSHFELLOW]

Sure would be nice to know what Savage felt the wall thickness should have been to meet their standards out of curiosity.
tjw

[OrionRecArms]

I thought my post was pretty clear that I was merely looking for information on this gun.

I got a note from the Admin....so although I was clear, let me say this:

I am NOT selling this gun on this board. I have not said WHERE I will be selling this gun in the future. I am not listing this gun on this board for sale. I have not placed any links to my business, my services, nor any links to any guns for sale. I was merely looking to the experts in this forum/board for help with the Sterlingworth shotgun that I have in my possession for a client, as to when it was made, and any other things I should know about this gun so I don't misrepresent it in the future.

Hopefully this disclaimer will modify this post so that we can continue to discuss this shotgun, and it won't be deleted.

Thanks again to those that have replied or PM'd me.

[Foxnut]

A decent condition 12 Sterly with Savage barrels added wood extension added to stock, condition, caliber, etc. make it a $500 - $750.00 gun. Dave thanks for posting the copy of Savage barrel policy for repair work. I have never seen that in print before. Always learn something new from you guys!!