help-AH Fox Sterlingworth identity

[Pucescb]

helllo. new member to site. have inherited a shotgun, need help with information. Double barrell, 12 ga., 28 inch barrells, on barrels says "Made by A.H. Fox Gun Co. Phila. Pa. USA" On other barrel says "Sterlingworth Fluid Compressed Steel" Is a double trigger, full pistol grip w/cap. On each isde of receiver syas"Sterlingworth" On frame locking area says" Pat. )JanOct 17-1905, jan 16-1906" ser number is 56346. At locking pin area on bottom of barrell also says "Foc Proof" in a circle, with a fox symbol in middle. Ser. number also there. On wodden forearm, underneath is also ser # and words "Model, then a number I can't make out, then an "H" I believe. The barrell has a metal bead front sight, and the rear sight is a meal "v' shape with what I think is a small ivory block with a V cut intoit to sight thru. Minimal etchings around edges on metal areas. In looking at your web site photos, this is unusual in that where the pin goes that holds barrels locked in, the screw head ends are exposed, a standard screw end, no caps. can anyone help this very new user ? thanks so much. sb

[ASavageFox]

You have a very early Sterlingworth. The stamping that says model likely says MODEL 1911. The exposed hinge pin (looks like a Parker) was how they made the first few thousand Sterlingworths until they were sued by Parker (unsuccessfully). the belief is that they were left over receivers from the previous Philadelphia Arms Company which was Ansley Fox first attempt at making his own gun company... The Philadelphia Arms Company guns all had dish pin style receivers.

Many simply refer to them as a "pin gun." If it has condition they can demand a small premium over a later styled sterlingworth.

here is a link to another section of this website that gives information on your gun

http://www.foxcollectors.com/sw%20pin%20grade.htm

[Researcher]

Show me some documentation about this Fox being sued by Parker Bros. I've heard that story as long as I've been involved in Fox shotguns and I have never seen one shred of evidence. Some early Lefevers had a recessed hinge pin, as did some of the doubles made by J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. Also, Ansley's guns made by Fox Gun Co., Balto., MD., U.S.A. and his Philadelphia Arms Co, doubles had recessed hinge pins. Those Philadelphia Arms Co. doubles are loaded with Parkeresque styling cues.

I have seen, but unfortunately I never got copies of, some letters between A.H. Fox Gun Co. and Parker Bros. concerning the forearm fastening on the Parker Bros. Trojan being an infringement of J.C. Kremer & A.H. Fox Patent No. 1,029,374.

[ASavageFox]

I have no proof... I made the common mistake of reading that somewhere and taking it as gospel.