Sterlingworth 30" 20 Ga Gunbroker

[delbocavista]

Currently watching an auction involving a 20 ga Sterlingworth with 30" barrels. Is it just me or does the serial number on barrel flats seem less than authentic?

[FoxintheHenHouse]

I agree. I think I also see very faint "ghosts" of the numbers that were supposed to be removed before restamping the "new serial number", but are still visible. And surprised with the bidders. Maybe they see something, I don't or they don't see something, I do.

FoxntheHenHouse

[delbocavista]

First thing that I noticed was the uneven stagger to numbers, none of my Fox guns regardless of gauge were anything but in a straight line. Other questionable aspect was the "font" on number "2" doesn't match anything else. I do see what appears to be a ghost of digits past now that you mention it. If it has been rebarreled in its history, what would the factory be inclined to do if it were tasked with fitting an extra/used set by the gun owner? It is a rare barrel set for sure, I would think factory would have obliged whatever the owner was willing to pay for, maybe to include restamping.

[bbman3]

No inspection period on it. Bobby

[vaturkey]

Appears to me that a member of our forum bought the gun.

[grouse28]

In a fit of blinded weakness for a 30" 20 gauge I did win the bid.
However after a pleasant discussion with seller, I did not purchase it.
All is good. The gun is nice on the outside. I did send for a letter on it for what it's worth.
Would still be a nice shooter, but not as an original gun.

[49packard]

No C&R FFL' s honored either. Brian

[CableguyJJS3]

Wasn't that pleasant a conversation apparently. He threw some pretty serious shade your way in his relisiting. Although in doing that, he disclosed the concerns over the possibility of renumbered barrels. Interesting to see how that affects the bidding this go around....

[grouse28]

There was no hostility that I percieved, he was understanding. In the end I should have thought it over more prior to bidding. I just wanted a 30" 20 and shot from the hip.
Not sure I deserved the recognition on the second listing, well maybe. I did try to educate him a little with the issue with the stampings, he was not aware of the implications. It is a very nice gun otherwise.