Fox Collectors

Should my 1926 Sterlingworth have flat top checkering like the LC Smith guns do? I am a sidelock guy, but got a deal I couldn't resist on a Fox that needs a restoration, just wondered how the checkering should be finished (it is still all visible, but not deep).
Thanks,
CHAZ

My Sterlingworth 20 gauge was made early in 1929 and it has flat topped cherckering.

Here's one from 1928 in "as new" condition....flat topped.

http://www.foxcollectors.com/My%20Forum ... =11&t=2344

Thank you very much. That will make cleaning it up much easier!
Thanks again,
CHAZ

Here is the forend, before, during, and after repointing, and then after a soak in acetone. Now to pull the dents, sand the scratches and get some oil back on it.
What gets me is that there are "mistakes" in the checkering. I have seen the same thing on LC Smith guns. On this forend there are two places on the borders where rows of checkering just taper off to nothing against the border.









CHAZ

Those "mistakes" you mention can create a dilemma when restoring old checkering. Do you fix the run-overs or not? My position has always been when "restoring" wood and checkering is to just clean up what's there and leave it the way the Fox employee sent it out. You'll see that on graded stuff too, not just SWs and field grade guns. It's quite amazing when you really start looking.

My attitude has also been to just refresh what is there, "character" and all. I am pretty new at this, so I have to work hard just to avoid adding any "character" of my own.
CHAZ