Fox Collectors

Great to be a part of the forum! I just joined because I was given a 12 gauge that was my fathers gun. He passed away a long time ago and I have been doing research on it. I was told it was manufactured in 1913 but that doesn't seem correct. Can any of the experts shed any light on this?

Here are the particulars:

AH Fox Sterlingworth 12 gauge
Serial number 71,xxx
Excellent shape


When was it manufactured? Where? Is this a rare shotgun? Should I keep it in a safe? Value?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

nice gun....basic entry level fox gun...I have one 729xx made in 1914.....so 1913 or 14 is about right....you can get a factory letter that will tell you when the gun was finished ...shipped ...original barrel length...ect....if you are interested......12ga Sterlingworths are valued from about 400-1500 with 400 being a functional clunker and 1500 being close to new original condition.....

" Should I keep it in a safe? "

you should shoot it if it is in safe operating condition

it depends on where you live- although - in most cases a safe is a good idea when its not in use-

it may not be the most valuable gun around- but it was your Dad's and that cannot be replaced.

I bought my first safe when we had kids in the home. A safe is the best place for any gun, regardless of value.

Some firearms are meant to be accessible and with a full magazine. A gun in a safe during an emergency is useless. Try opening a safe not only under stress but in low light/no light conditions. Outside of those firearms, I'd keep it in a safe just so it stays in proper condition and protected from fire, water leaks, etc.

beachfirearms wrote:Great to be a part of the forum! I just joined because I was given a 12 gauge that was my fathers gun. He passed away a long time ago and I have been doing research on it. I was told it was manufactured in 1913 but that doesn't seem correct. Can any of the experts shed any light on this?

Here are the particulars:

AH Fox Sterlingworth 12 gauge
Serial number 71,xxx
Excellent shape


When was it manufactured? Where? Is this a rare shotgun? Should I keep it in a safe? Value?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Your Sterlingworth sold for about $25.00 in 1913 when you could buy a Belgian double at Sears Roebuck for $8.00 - $10.00. As said it was the entry level for Fox and the value given above is accurate. I have my Dad's Sterlingworth which was shipped to a local sporting goods store @ 1920. Before he passed I had it completely restored to "as-new" for him. You should order a research letter on your gun.

Best Regards, George

I attended one funeral for a child that died from an easily accessible firearm. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I hope I never have to do it again..