The A.H. Fox Sterlingworth was one of the most practical doubles ever made in America. Rugged and affordable, it was a reliable SxS that gave hunters everything they needed at a great price.
Wise Americans recognized this and made the Sterlingworth a huge success. But of the 100,000+ Sterlies made, none of the ones I’ve seen have had a round-knob stock on them like the onee on this Sterlie.
Round-knob grips were special order items available on A-B-C and other graded Foxes. But that wasn’t the case with the Sterlies. Serial #363731 puts this gun around 1927. According to the AH Fox Collector’s Association, the 1927 catalog The FOX GUN”( A.H. Fox “Wood Grain” Catalog A.H. Fox Gun Company, Philadelphia, Pa.) states: “…THE STOCK is best quality plain American Walnut, thoroughly seasoned and checkered. Full capped pistolgrip only…”
So where did this stock come from? It sure looks original to me. So was it special ordered, or added afterwards by the factory? I’m not sure. A factory letter may solve the mystery — or it may say nothing.
This shotgun is at Gunauction.com and the listing ends October 6, 2013 @ 16:47:00 PT. If you like the stock as much as I do, you should bid on it now. Here are the details on it from the seller:
A.H. Fox Sterlingworth 16ga Side by Side: Serial number 363781 which is correct on for end, barrel and receiver. 26″ barrels, choke unknown, checkered pistol grip, boxlock action, extractors and ejectors,double triggers and auto safety,. Mfg 1910-1942 in Phila. Pa, by A.H. Fox company. Bluing on barrels are just outstanding, and receiver shows case coloring as you can see in pictures, bore is bright and shiny . LOP to rear trigger is 13 1/4 and 14 to front, wood shows some small handling marks, but overall in super condition.
