Need help identifying a fox gun

[chuckcav]

I recently came across a Fox Sterlingworth shotgun that belonged to my dad who passed away back in 1973. The serial number is 78744, and the markings on the barrel are
" Sterlingworth Fluid Compressed Steel" on one side and on the other side " Made By AH Fox Gun Co Phil PA USA The gun is is pretty rough shape and I want to have it complete restored and kept in the family as a mermory of my dad. Two questions. Can anyone tell me the age of the gun? And can anyone recommend a restorer in the Charlotte NC area.
Appreciate the help.
Chuck C

[vaturkey]

That's a pretty early gun. I'm guessing circa 1917.

PS. Not big into restoration, but Darlington Gun Works in SC is fairly close to you I'm thinking. I believe they can do everything and have worked on some nice sxs guns over the years. Pretty well known.

[loggy]

The English gun maker Holland and Holland was asked to restore a sniper rifle that they had manufactured. The gun was in service during the war. They turned down the request. They said all of the wear on the gun was an important part of its story. If the marks on the gun were made by your dad you might consider keeping it as he left it. John

[jolly bill]

The English gun maker Holland and Holland was asked to restore a sniper rifle that they had manufactured. The gun was in service during the war. They turned down the request. They said all of the wear on the gun was an important part of its story. If the marks on the gun were made by your dad you might consider keeping it as he left it. John

Chuck,

I'm with John/Loggy above. If the wear was put there by your father, you might want to think about leaving them there.

If from neglect or poor storage, that's a different story.

Jolly

[chuckcav]

Thanks for the replies. The gun has been poorly stored for over 40 years. The barrels are rusted and pitted and the metal has a baked on grime. Ive been cleaning it myself for the past week and its looking much better. I agree that keeping it as my dad left it makes sense but I know he would have never left it like I found it. Perhaps just a professional cleaning vs a full restore. Any idea regarding the age??

[vaturkey]

Thanks for the replies. The gun has been poorly stored for over 40 years. The barrels are rusted and pitted and the metal has a baked on grime. Ive been cleaning it myself for the past week and its looking much better. I agree that keeping it as my dad left it makes sense but I know he would have never left it like I found it. Perhaps just a professional cleaning vs a full restore. Any idea regarding the age??

I mentioned earlier circa 1917. There is no definitive way to know exactly for sure without contacting Savage Arms and having them provide a letter of when it was made. That letter is I believe $60 to receive and takes a few months to obtain.