Fox Collectors

No. But, all the Fox-Sterlingworths I've recorded in the 160xxx and 161xxx serial number range are 26-inch barrel guns, except one two-barrel set that also has a 28-inch barrel.

I am curious as to what percentage of 12 ga. Sterlingworths were produced with 26" barrels? I realize that only an estimate can be speculated. Also, do the 26" barrels command any type of premium (all things being equal)? The vast majority of Sterlingworths I have encountered are 28 and 30" guns.

Thanks researcher for the info. I also have noticed on all of my utica guns have what looks like a buff line on the sides of the actions right above the roll stamp but on the early transition guns i have they don't have that line they are like the Philly guns. Is it likely that those. guns were done in Philly for savage. before. they moved even though they have the utice matkings.

Most likely parts that were in-work in Philadelphia and completed at Utica. From what I've read the move and set up in Utica took place pretty quicky after the sale and they were in operation in Utica before mid-1930. Not like Remington continuing to build Parkers in Meriden for three years before moving to Ilion.

It's interesting the cross-overs one sees; my three Sterlingworths are all Utica guns; the 20 and the 16 have capped pistol grips and larger Savage-style forends and top levers. My 12 gauge, which is the latest gun of the three, has an uncapped pistol grip and Savage-style forend but a Philly style top lever. I guess there was one languishing at the bottom of the parts bin.

Also, of possible interest to a few, almost as many of those late 26-inch barrel 12-gauges in the 160xxx and 161xxx serial number range have their right barrel roll-stamped STERLINGWORTH FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL as have them roll-stamped SPECIAL ALLOY -- FORGED STEEL. Likewise, from about 1935 to the end it seems it was a total crap shoot as to whether one got a capped or the capless pistol grip stock.

Thanks again researcher for the info very interesting. I like studing the foxs thanks for you're knowledge .