Fox-Sterlingworth on SP-Frame

[Researcher]

After a quarter century of recording Sterlingworth serial numbers and specs, old Researcher has finally gotten a Fox-Sterlingworth on the SP-Frame.

I’ve recorded twelve of these SP-framed Fox-Sterlingworths with 30-inch barrels with serial numbers from 132649 to 132927. So far I’ve only recorded two with 28-inch barrels, this gun I just bought and 138010, and only one with 26-inch barrels 161319. I’ve also recorded five 16-gauge Fox-Sterlingworths with 28-inch barrels built on the flat-sided SP-frame with serial numbers from 376996 to 377119.

Any more of these to report out there?

[fox-admin]

WOW what a beautiful gun in mint condition. Thanks for the photo's Dave and congratulations.

[WPGRIFFON]

Researcher

I did not know such an animal existed, congratulations on the mint gun.

WPGRIFFON

[mc15426378]

Dave that's a screamer. Has the gun been fired?

[Researcher]

Hasn't been fired by me!!

[MARSHFELLOW]

Congrats Dave!!!!........ never have seen one that could come close to your gun's condition.

tjw

[Brian]

Dave
Ill get you pics and serial of mine.
Brian

[ROMAC]

So how collectable are these flat sided Sterlingworths anyway?

I've seen 2 in the past that were in just so so shape so I passed. Is there a premium placed on these?

Are they mechanically different in any way from a Sterlingworth or SPE or just an SPE frame finished like a Sterlingworth?

I did read this months DGJ but any additional knowlege on the subject would be appreciated.

[Brian]

Ill post all of the photos in the gun section.

Sterlingworth 12 Ga SP frame
SN 132871

[Scott]

Wow! Very Nice guns! Question for Researcher, Does yours have the Utica Address roll stamp? Mine is # 132837 and it does not. It has the chamber marking but no address. Special alloy Forged Steel on the Right barrel. Mine was shipped June 29th 1939. I see Brian's is a later serial number than mine and his does have it.

[Scott]

Interesting that the card is marked SP. I wonder if they all are? Anyone know the date the last Sterlingworth was shipped?

[Researcher]

John looked through a bunch of cards in that serial number range and only a few were marked SP, but I've recorded SP-frame guns with cards not marked SP. My gun has the SAVAGE ARMS CORPORATION, UTICA, N.Y.U.S.A. address on the left barrel.

[Scott]

That is the best one I have ever seen! Congrats!

[eightbore]

Researcher, I just came home from the Easton, Maryland gun show and the Waterfowl Festival with a new to me flat frame Sterlingworth in near mint condition. It is a 30" 12 gauge, modified and full, all original, serial number 132789, my first flat frame. I met Kevin McCormack at the gun show and had a nice visit with Geoffroy Gournet today at the festival. He was working on an outrageous Fox with heavily relieved engraving. I decided to add my post to this thread so we can get up to date on flat frames. Kevin and I have been exhibiting at this show for decades and every once in a while, discover a nut like the Sterly I found this weekend.

[ROMAC]

Ahem,

I think that outrageous Fox with heavily relieved engraving might be mine. I told Geoffroy what I wanted at Ernies in June.

I told Geoffroy to have at it. I have not bothered him for an update. You have to let the master get creative.

Was it a 16 gauge? I guess I'm curious now.