Sterlingworth | Dogs and Doubles

See this week’s 5 doubles you don’t want to miss …

July 16, 2023 by Gregg

A pre-owned Fabbri over & under 12 gauge with 29 & 29 inch two barrel set gun: Calibre: 12 gauge Action: Sidelock ejector Triggers: Single Safety: Automatic Barrel Length: 29 & 29 inch Chamber: 2 3/4 inch Rib: Game ventilated rib Chokes: Barrel set one Under : 1/4 : Over 1/2 – Barrel set two – Bottom 1/2 – Top Full Type: Deluxe grade Walnut Length: 15 1/2 inches Grip: Classic Straight Hand Butt End Finish: 1 inch recoil pad Forend: Game style forend Description: Fine Rose & Scroll Finish: Case colour Weight: 7 lbs – 11 oz Case: Single leather case Date of Manufacture: 1974. Price: $58,000*

Fabulous high original condition Ithaca NID Model 4E 20ga – All original and near mint – Best example I’ve seen!: Absolutely dynamite all original Ithaca NID Model 4E 20ga. Made with 26″ Fluid steel barrels, splinter forend, gold plated double triggers, auto ejectors, automatic safety. Gun has very nice flame figured American Walnut capped pistol grip buttstock with original buttplate. Engraved in beautiful and tasteful Grade 4 pattern as seen in the photos. Gun is accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum research letter identifying it as found today including the original initials in the gold stock shield. Gun remains in superb all original and investment grade condition. Barrels with nearly all of their original blue. Frame with more than 95% bold original case colors throughout. Stocks are sound and near mint with nearly all of their original finishes remaining. Checkering is crisp and untouched. Bores are brilliant and shiny. Mechanics are perfect. Gun shows very very little use. Ithacas have only recently started gaining the collector interest that they deserve when compared to other makers and have an incredibly bright future with the records having come available to collectors. This gun is as good as they get for untouched and all original in every respect! Price: $12,950*

Best Quality Louis Brancquaert #5 Hammer 12 gauge sidelock pigeon gun with 30″ Chopper lump fluid steel barrels: Full coverage banknote scroll with Brancquaert marking on bottom of frame, probably executed by H. Corombelle, the top Belgian engraver in this time period(1900-1910). Hidden Purdey style third fastener, sideclips, figured French walnut with no splits or cracks, original 2 5/8″ chambers, perfect bores that mike Left: .726, MWT= .028, choke=. .031″ Right: .726, MWT= .029″, choke=. 020″. Wall thickness 9″ Left= .042″ Right= .044″. Weight of gun is 7lbs. 5 ozs. Stock dimensions are 14″ LOP to a checkered butt over a piece of walnut added to change pitch., 1 3/4″ DAC, 1 7/8″ DAH, with 3/8″ cast off for the right hand. My guess is that it may have been originally built for a woman, hence the odd original pitch. SN is 908.974. DeFourney built these guns for Brancquaert and the SN reflects this fact. The bluing appears original as barrel lettering is very sharp and there is fading case color on action, but metal is very clean and engraving sharp. Hammers are the late style low profile used on the post 1900 guns. This is a very seldom seen best quality hammer model built at the tail end of the live pigeon era. Price: $7,650*

A.H. FOX STERLINGWORTH 16 GA. SxS 30″ BBL. 1ST. YEAR PRODUCTION: Maker: A H FOX Model: STERLINGWORTH Gauge/Caliber: 16 GA. Barrel Length:30″ Chambers: 2 1/2″ Rib Design: FLAT, FILED Weight: 6 LB 8OZ Bore/Chokes Right/Bottom: .659/.006 IC Left/Top: .657/.010 LM Stock Dimensions Drop At Comb:1 7/16″ Drop At Face:2 1/16″ 4 1/2″ Drop At Heel: 2 3/4″ Cast At Face: 1/8″ OFF 4 1/2″ Cast At Heel: 3/16″ OFF Length Of Pull:14″ Pitch:5 DEGREES Special Features: ORIGINAL COLOR CASE HARDENED BOX LOCK ACTION DOUBLE TRIGGERS EXTRACTORS REFINISHED SEMI-PISTOL GRIP STOCK W/ ORIGINAL BUTT PLATE SPLINTER FOREARM AUTO SAFETY MADE IN PHILADELPHIA “FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION” CONDITION: VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT Circa:1913 / SER # 350308 Price: $4,495*

Merkel ~ 303E ~ 12 Ga ~ Over Under ~ Sidelock ~ Shotgun: For your consideration, a Merkel model 303E chambered in 12 Gauge. The French greyed receiver is engraved with full coverage Neuenglische Arabesque type scrollwork. Features include ejectors, hand removable sidelocks, double triggers, and a non-automatic safety. Stock dimensions are as follows: 14 3/8″ LOP, 1″ drop at comb, and 1 7/8″ at heel with neutral cast. 12 Gauge Chambers: 2.75 Metal Condition: Excellent Wood Condition: Very Good+ Bore Condition: Excellent Barrels: 28″ Triggers: Double Stock Dimensions: 14 3/8″ LOP Fore End: Checkered Butt Pad: Ribbed Weight: 7.25 lbs Sights: Bead Chokes: “X Full, Top / Mod, Bottom Price: $3,499.99*

*FYI: DogsandDoubles.com is not a gun dealer. We do not sell firearms. We do not have an FFL. The guns you see listed here are from Gunsinternational.com, a site DogsandDoubles.com is not affiliated with in any way. DogsandDoubles.com does not receive compensation from Gunsinternational.com for these listings. The accuracy of these listings from Gunsinternational.com has not been verified by Dogs and Doubles. All information and images have been provided by the sellers. Buyers are responsible for verifying the physical condition and specifications of the listed items. Dogs and Doubles advises you and a qualified gunsmith physically inspect any item shown here before purchasing.

Any statements made on DogsandDoubles.com regarding a firearm’s condition, originality, safety, value, or suitability to use are opinions only. These statements have not been verified. They are not guaranteed to be accurate or correct in any way.

See this week’s 5 doubles you don’t want to miss …

September 11, 2022September 10, 2022 by Gregg

BEAUTIFUL Boss Best Sidelock 20 Gauge 26.5″ Barrels: Here we have a BEAUTIFUL Boss Best Sidelock in 20 Gauge! The barrels measure at 26.5″, with plenty of life left in it! This serial number is 7937. Boss Shotguns are always a remarkable piece to include in your collection as a true aficionado. This will also have a BLANK OVAL! Check out the specs on it below, and as always, thanks for looking! Price: $59,000

Griffin & Howe – Roundbody, SxS, 28ga. 27″ Barrels Choked IC/M. LEATHER MAKER’S CASE INCLUDED. MAKE OFFER: Highly figured European walnut straight grip stock, checkered butt, splinter forend, automatic ejectors, double triggers with he front trigger being articulated, game rib, full sidelock round frame gun manufactured for Griffin & Howe by Arrieta, traditional rose and scroll engraving over a case colored finish, gun remains in excellent condition, leather makers’ case, available for immediate delivery. 5 lbs. 12 oz. 14 5/8” x 1 ½” x 2 3/8”. Price: $8,995

Piotti Piuma BSEE 12 gauge: Piotti BSEE 12 gauge boxlock circa 1983 imported by William Larkin Moore, straight grip splinter forend double triggersand chopper lump barrels in excellent as new condition weight is only 6LBS 2OZ A great grouse and woodcock gun with 27 inch barrels. Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge Manufacturer: Piotti Model: Piuma BSEE Serial Number: 7976 Barrel Length: 27 inch Bore Info: .731″ Chambers: 2 3/4″ Ejectors: yes Condition: excellent Metal Condition: excellent Wood Condition: excellent Bore Condition: perfect Action: boxlock Triggers: double Stock: straight Stock Comb: 1 3/8″ Stock Heel: 2 1/4″ Stock Cast: 1/4 cast off Fore End: splinter Butt Pad: checkered LOP: 14 1/4″ Rib: flat file Finish: oil finish Weight: 6lbs 2oz Choke Left: .020 modified Choke Right: .012 improved cylinder Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .027″ Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .027″. Price: $7,500

A.H. Fox 20Ga Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Deluxe Straight Grip, Original

A.H. Fox 20Ga Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Deluxe Straight Grip, Original: Tight and on face. 40% faded case colors. 98% plus barrel blue. Mirror bores. SN 270806. Factory letter. + original blue, Mfg 1939. Twin ivory beads. mirror bores. 26” Barrels, chokes R -.010”, L +.014”. (right choke is skeet out basically, typical S&U choking in right barrel.) 2 ¾” chambers. Stock shows 98 % original finish. No cracks, splits or chips. Drop 1 1/2” x 2 5/8”. LOP 14 ” factory buttplate. Weight 6 lbs 1 oz. Shotgun Gauge: 20 Gauge Manufacturer: A.H. Fox Model: Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Barrel Length: 26″ Condition: Excellent. Price: $5,495

BEAUTIFULLY CASED AND ENGRAVED BLISSETT & SON DOUBLE BARREL 12 GAUGE HAMMER SHOTGUN

BEAUTIFULLY CASED HARDENED AND ENGRAVED BLISSETT & SON DOUBLE BARREL 12 GAUGE HAMMER SHOTGUN: 28 inch barrels. Cylinder bore in both barrels. 14 inch LOP. The gun is delicately engraved and has vivid case colors. Straight grip stock is in fine condition with sharp checkering. Trigger guard has most bright original blue. Fitted in a L.L. Bean newly manufactured case. An attractive looking outfit. Price: $2,295

FYI: DogsandDoubles.com is a not a gun dealer. We do not sell firearms. The guns you see listed here are from Gunsinternational.com, a site DogsandDoubles.com is not affiliated with in any way. The accuracy of these listings from Gunsinternational.com has not been verified by Dogs and Doubles. All information has been provided by the sellers. Buyers are responsible for verifying the physical condition and all specifications of the listed items. Dogs and Doubles suggests you and a qualified gunsmith physically inspect an item before purchasing.

Any statements made on DogsandDoubles.com regarding a firearm’s condition, originality, safety, value, or suitability to use are opinions only. These statements have not been verified. They’re not guaranteed to be accurate or correct in any way.

See this week’s 5 doubles you don’t want to miss …

August 28, 2022August 28, 2022 by Gregg

Truly exceptional & finest quality fully optioned all original Parker 12ga A1 Special w/ fantastic Huey Case – Choice in every regard!!!: Exceedingly rare all original Parker A-1 Special 12ga built on a #2 frame with 30″ original Peerless Steel ventilated rib barrels. Original beavertail forend is beautifully checkered and iron fully engraved. The receiver is full coverage “Invincible” style scroll engraved with game scenes – very rare on any A1 Special, this one with large Ruffed Grouse on bottom, Geese with Pointer on left, Pheasant with setter on right all surrounded by perfectly executed full coverage scroll. Barrels with scroll wedges at breech ends and frame with carved fences and carved pigtails on the bottom. Stocked with an exceptional piece of European Walnut and fantastically checkered as seen in the photos. Back end of the butt has a small Monte Carol and terminates with its original hardening Silvers pad. Housed in a magnificent Marvin Huey elephant hide and oak case. The case is custom fitted for this gun with accessories and is a remarkable work of art in its own right with a replacement cost today in excess of $5500! Overall, the gun remains in fantastic all original untouched condition. The barrels retain more than 97% original blue. Action retains a lot of the original case color, particularly strong on the sides, but percentage is hard to ascertain due to the full coverage engraving. Easily more than 50%, though. Stocks are beautiful, sound, and original and retain nearly all of their original finish with only very minor handling marks. The bores are brilliant and shiny, mechanics are crisp. Gun was not used very much. Case is near mint with only very minor rubs. I’ve handled more than my fair share of ultra high end Parkers in the past decade and this one easily ranks among the finest of them all for class, character, originality, rarity, and condition. The gun is engraved in a really rare pattern in that game scenes are not often found on A1’s and this gun comes from one of the best Parker collections ever assembled and was considered one of the crown jewels in that collection. This gun should be considered for its form and function as an alternate investment as it is nearly impossible to improve upon. Price: $159,500

Westley Richards ~ Double Barrel SxS Boxlock Ejector Rifle ~ .303: Curio/Relic: Yes Metal Condition: Very good with minor handling marks Wood Condition: Good with moderate handling marks Bore Condition: Excellent Barrels: 28″ Side by side barrel Triggers: Double trigger Stock Dimensions: 14 1/4″ LOP Fore End: Multi-point checkered walnut Butt Pad: Engraved heel and toe plates on bare checkered butt plate Weight: 6 lbs Sights: Front bead sight and dovetailed rear with two folding leaf notch sights. For your consideration, a The makers have kindly confirmed that work began on this rifle in 1898 and it was sold to Viscount Castlereagh, Charles Stewart Henry Vane-Tempest-Stewart, upon completion in 1899. With blued Krupp steel chopperlump barrels each engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end and respectively signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS. 178 NEW BOND ST. LONDON” and engraved “FOR W.R. SPECIAL .303 CARTRIDGE”. Concave rib engraved “SPECIAL STEEL” and with front bead sight mounted on a scroll engraved ramp, the dovetailed rear sight is mounted on a rounded scroll engraved block and is formed of one standing notch and two folding leaf notch sights each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to 300 yards, and the breech end with doll’s head extension and engraved with further scrollwork. Casehardened treble grip action with removable firing pin bushings, signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS” within a ribbon on each side, engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT EJECTOR” ahead of the blued toplever, bolted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” and “BOLTED”, and with blued floorplate and blued trigger guard. The whole engraved with fine English scrollwork, the floorplate and trigger guard respectively including vignettes of an elephant and a wolf. The underside of the barrels and watertable struck with London nitro proof marks. Figured 14 1/4 inch walnut pistol grip stock with engraved heel and toe plates, raised cheekpiece and panels of multipoint checkering to the grip, behind the action and on the forearm, the grip with engraved dark horn cap and the forearm with scroll engraved Deeley and Edge fastener and dark horn tip. The underside of the butt with silver oval initial escutcheon engraved with a crowned monogram and blued sling mount, the corresponding sling eye is fitted beneath the barrel. .303 British. Price: $19,999.99

Dickson Round Action 12ga with original nitro proofed 29″ Damascus barrels and makers case: This Classic Dickson is in excellent condition. The barrels are beautiful with great specifications. I have a particular love of doubles with 29″ barrels. Note the excellent stock dimensions for many. Dickson Round Action 12ga with original nitro proofed 29″ Damascus barrels and makers case Serial Number: 5666 Ejectors: Yes Barrels: 29 Barrel Type: Damascus Action: Round action- assisted opening Gauge: 12 gauge Stock Comb: 1 1/2″ Stock Heel: 2 1/4″ Stock Cast: 0 LOP: 14 15/16″ with red pad Weight: 6lbs 8ozs Choke Left: .017 Mod Choke Right: .008 IC Proof:Nitro: 2 1/2″ Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .023 Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .025. Price: $17,800

Winchester 21 SxS Shotgun 12ga: Pre-World War II. 2 3/4 inch chambers with extractors, Winchester “WP” proofs on the flats, and “MOD./FULL” marked chokes. Standard markings and proofs on the water table with double triggers and tang mounted manual safety. Checkered walnut splinter forearm and pistol grip stock. Stock measurements: drop at comb 1 1/2 inches; drop at heel 2 1/2 inches; length of pull 14 inches. Excellent original finish. Price: $4,995

16g FOX STERLINGWORTH DELUXE WITH ORIGINAL TWIN BEADS AND PAD: FOX STERLINGWORTH DELUXE WITH ORIGINAL TWIN BEADS AND PAD, 16GA 28” F/MOD, 97% BARRELS WITH A LITTLE PITTING AT THE MUZZLE, 97% NICE CASE COLORS, EXC. WOOD AND BORES. Price: $3,950

Online auction alert: A 16g Fox Sterlingworth to stare at …

February 9, 2021 by Gregg

A. H. Fox Sterlingworth 16 ga SxS Shotgun

If I had a $1 for every time someone said to me “I would like find a nice, original Fox Sterlingworth”, I’d have enough money to buy nice, original 16g Sterlie you see here.

It’s on Gunbroker.com now and the online auction ends 2/21/2021 @ 8:33 PM.

While Fox Sterlingworths are far from rare (more than 150,000 were built), ones in solid, original condition are hard to find, especially in 16 gauge.

A. H. Fox Sterlingworth 16 ga SxS Shotgun: This is a A.H. Fox Sterlingworth 16 ga and this gun is a jewel. Weighing in at 6 lbs (feels like a lot less) the LOP is 14 1/“ DOC 2” and DAH is “3 this little gun comes up like a dream! It has on little tiny chip on the edge of the forearm but other than that this is a super ALL ORIGINAL gun. The case color is 95% and the wood 85+ Only bc of the chip. The barrels are 28” imp modified/ Full.

See this week’s 4 doubles you don’t want to miss…

December 6, 2020December 13, 2020 by Gregg

Exceptionally rare high original condition Special Order Lefever “E” Grade 8ga with 34″ barrels: Easily the finest and most collectible Lefever to come to public market in the last several years. This gun is an exceptionally rare and fine Lefever Arms Co. “E” Grade 8ga. Made with 34″ Damascus barrels, splinter forend, double triggers, extractors, capped pistol grip buttstock and original lined buttplate. The gun is in the 12k serial number range and is finely engraved with scroll and game scenes on side. Special order original gold inlay on trigger guard. This is the only original gold inlaid E Grade gun I have encountered in more than 30 years of aggressively chasing Lefever guns. The gun remains in superb original condition with more than 80% bold dark original case colors remaining. The barrels are excellent with more than 90% bold original pattern and bright shiny bores. The gun retains more than 70% original trigger guard blue and the gold inlay is guaranteed factory original. The buttplate is sound. The stocks are excellent with crisp checkering though there is a small shake in the wood at the toe that measures 4-1/2″. This could easily be made invisible with today’s talented wood craftsmen and this is from the wood drying with a couple of small knots in it, not damage of any type. Overall, the gun is crisp and in delightful untouched original condition. Price: $22,500

PARKER REPRODUCTION DHE 20GA EXCELLENT

PARKER REPRODUCTION DHE 20GA EXCELLENT: A very lightly used Repro in a desirable configuration and in Excellent condition. With case, snap caps and cover.Shotgun Guage: 20 Gauge, Manufacturer: PARKER REPRODUCTION, Model: DHE, Barrel Length: 26IN, Chambers: 2 3/4 IN, Ejectors: YES, Condition: EXCELLENT, Metal Condition: EXCELLENT, Wood Condition: EXCELLENT, Bore Condition: EXCELLENT, Stock Comb: 1 7/16 IN, Stock Heel: 2 1/8IN, Butt Pad: SKELETON, LOP: 14 7/16IN, Weight: 6LBS 8OZ, Choke Left: MODIFIED, Choke Right: IMP/CYL, Extras: SNAP CAPS, Case: LEATHER HARD CASE AND COVER, Proof:Nitro: YES. Price: $4450

Browning BSS 20 Ga SxS Sporter: 3″ chambers. 26″ IC & M barrels. SST, ejectors. 1″ scratch in buttstock, small nick in stock fence behind receiver. Otherwise near new. LOP 14 1/4″ over pad. Price: $1700

Fox Sterlingworth 20 Gauge SxS: 1924 Fox S/W 20 gauge. 26″ M/F. Weight 5lbs. 15oz. 1 1/2′ X 21/2″ X14″ to an old Ranger pad. Good bores and mechanics. Leave your C grade ejector home on the rainy day. Price: $1550

A closer look: Not your normal 12g Fox Sterlingworth ….

July 14, 2020 by Gregg

A. H. Fox/Savage Sterlingworth Deluxe Brush Model SxS Double Barrel American Shotgun

As I’ve said before, the Fox Sterlingworth is the gateway drug for a lot of people who become addicted to vintage shotguns. These side-by-sides were rugged, reliable, and great deals when they were introduced and they still are today — especially when they’re in this kind of condition.

Even though there are lots of 12g Sterlingworths on the market today, few of them are as nice, or as unique, as the one you see here.

This is a 12-gauge Fox Sterlingworth Deluxe Brush with automatic ejectors and it appears to be in excellent original condition.

Back in the day, standard Sterlingworths came in four models: Trap (32″ bbls), Standard (30″ bbls), Field (28″ bbls) and Brush (26″ bbs). “Brush” guns were the lightest Sterlingworths available and they came standard with the most open chokes (Cylinder & Mod). I’ve always thought of them as the perfect Sterlingworths for upland hunting, especially if you’re into grouse and woodcock.

In addition, because this one is a “Deluxe” model Sterlingworth, this gun came with twin ivory beads and an original pad. Automatic ejectors were added as another feature.

Sterlingworth page from a 1930 Fox Shotgun catalog

Here’s the link to it: A.H. Fox/Savage Sterlingworth Deluxe Ejector Brush Model: Price $1,950

More info about this one from the seller: My personal benchmark gun. Decided after it being in the safe for several years that someone else needs to own it. Will start it out here for a week and see what happens. Specs are 26″ barrels choked .013 and .020 and bores of .729 per my Skeets, and 2 3/4″ chambers and ejectors. LOP to end of wood 13 1/4″. To end of Antiflinch Pad 14 1/4″. DAC 1 5/8″, DAH 2 7/8″. Weight and this is downright lovely is 6 lb 9 oz. A 12 bore made for bird hunting as they say. Serial Number. is 122114. Call this my benchmark gun because the case colors are just about mint. Slight fading on the underside, but they are all there. Blueing is 100 percent except for some small spot right around the top rib where Dan Rossiter from Custom Stocks and Steel, believed there may have been a bit oil or whatever missed when the factory did the barrels. Gun has been apart one time and that was by Dan when he checked the internals. He added the Antiflinch pad (forgot what was on it). Bought this at a small in Va from a collector. Gun’s bores were covered in cosmoline and per the house the gun had not been fired for over 50 years (who knows). Wasn’t fired much if at all. Some flaking on the finish in spots. I’ve done nothing to the gun and its time to move it on. Serial Number: 122114, Barrel Length: 26″, Chambers: 2 3/4″, Ejectors: Yes, Condition: Excellent, Metal Condition: Excellent, Wood Condition: Small bit of flaking, Bore Condition: Mint, Gauge: 12, Butt Pad: Jostam Anti flinch, Weight: 6 lb 9 oz, Choke Left: Mod, Choke Right: IC. PS. This is a Savage marked gun with all the best Philly Fox features. Also had twin Ivory beads (front and rear).

See this week’s 5 doubles you don’t want to miss…

July 12, 2020 by Gregg

OGDEN SMITH & HUSSEY IMPERIAL PIGEON SXS 12 GAUGE: 30″ WIDE PIGEON RIB 036 AND 038 CONSTRIXTION 2 3/4 NITRO, DOUBLE TRIGGER, EJECTORS, SPLINTER FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, EXCELLENT CONDITION, 7LBS 15 OZ, 2 1/8″ DAH, 1 1/2″ DAC, 14 1/4″ LOP. Price: $12,500

Francotte 20E 20 Gauge SxS - 1950, 99% CASE COLOR, MINTY! — Francotte 20E 20 Gauge SxS – 1950, 99% CASE COLOR, MINTY!

Francotte 20E 20 Gauge – 1950, 99% CASE COLOR, MINTY!, vintage firearms inc: General Specs: Francotte, Year 1950, 20 gauge, 5lbs 12oz, IC/M, LOP 14 7/16″, DAH 2 3/8″, DAC 1 1/2″, Serial Number: 89933. Auguste Francotte is world famous as a high-quality firearms maker from the gun making center of Leige, Belgium dating back as far as 1805. Still making fine shotguns with price tags starting at $18,000, Francotte is a brand recognized and used by heads of state, business tycoons, and in some cases, the fortunate “Average Joe”. Search long and hard, you will not find another Auguste Francotte like this one. First, this is the Model 20E, one of the higher grades A. Francotte offered in the boxlock ejector format and it has the sideplated action allowing for beautiful scroll engraving. Second, the gun is 70 years old and RETAINS 99% OF THE FACTORY FINISH, INCLUDING ALL OF THE BOLD, VIVID, ORIGINAL BONE AND CHARCOAL CASE COLORS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A HIGHER CONDITION FRANCOTTE 20E! Francotte guns are nicely built side by sides with a solid reputation for graceful looks and handling characteristics as well as rock solid dependability. This fine Francotte, sn89933 built in 1950, has seen little use. Beautifully hand engraved with FINE SCROLL ENGRAVING AND FOLIATE SCROLL BREECH BALLS, this is a very high-end side by side. The wood is nicely figured European walnut showing lots of fiddleback figure and rich dark streaking, with most of the factory finish still there and the factory 28LPI hand-cut checkering in excellent condition. There are field use marks in the buttstock wood, but all are superficial and there are no cracks or gouges in the wood. We can restore the wood for you if you wish in a short period of time for an added cost; just ask about this in-house service we provide. The gun weighs in at an ultra-light 5 3/4lbs. with its 26” Siemens Martin fluid steel barrels that are choked IC/M and have mirror perfect bores. It is a very dynamic shotgun with the balance point on the hinge pin. With the Prince of Wales style stock, it is lightning fast to the shoulder and puts a smile on your face when you handle her. The gun is mechanically excellent with strong, well timed ejectors, barrels tight on the hinge pin and breech face like a new gun, perfect screws, crisp triggers…all in perfect working order and in need of no work at all. THERE ARE 5 LOCKING POINTS ON THIS FRANCOTTE; A HIDDEN GREENER CROSS BOLT AT THE TOP RIB, DOUBLE UNDERLUG LOCKING BOLTS, SIDECLIPS, AND A THROUGH RECEIVER BARREL LUG, making sure the barrels are locked to the breech face laterally and vertically. It just doesn’t get any better than that! What a great gun for your upland pursuits, especially for the grouse and woodcock coverts and hunting over fine dogs. She will represent well at the vintage sporting events too. Francotte built some of the highest quality guns ever made and they are surprisingly affordable as this gun demonstrates. Thanks for looking! Price: $8,950

Parker Repro DHE – 20ga – 26” – IC/M – DT – Straight Grip – Skeleton Buttplate – High Grade Wood – Leather Maker’s Case: 14 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ – some case color wear – some handling marks – would make a great grouse, woodcock and quail gun – it’s TIGHT like new otherwise. Excellent Field Configuration worthy of an upland hunter. Price: $5,500

BERETTA - SO4 - 30" M / F - Quality Sidelock Over Under - Completely Refurbished ! — BERETTA – SO4 – 30″ M / F – Quality Sidelock Over Under – Completely Refurbished !

Beretta – SO4 – 30″ m / f – quality sidelock OU – completely refurbished: 12ga, 2-3/4″, 29-1/2″ M / F (.724 – .030 / .039) – Hand Filed Vent Rib, Ejectors, Single Non-Selective Trigger, LOP 14-7/8″, Drop 1-1/2 to 1-3/4″, Neutral Cast, Weight 8 lbs 4 oz. Completely refurbished gun, and used little – if any – since. Bores are perfect, and at factory original specs. This gun was reproofed in 1993, and possibly refurbished at that time. The gun is ready to shoot, but you can detect slight movement in the barrels. Price: $3950

A. H. Fox/Savage Sterlingworth Deluxe Brush Model: My personal benchmark gun. Decided after it being in the safe for several years that someone else needs to own it. Will start it out here for a week and see what happens. Specs are 26″ barrels choked .013 and .020 and bores of .729 per my Skeets, and 2 3/4″ chambers and ejectors. LOP to end of wood 13 1/4″. To end of Antiflinch Pad 14 1/4″. DAC 1 5/8″, DAH 2 7/8″. Weight and this is downright lovely is 6 lb 9 oz. A 12 bore made for bird hunting as they say. Serial Number. is 122114. Call this my benchmark gun because the case colors are just about mint. Slight fading on the underside, but they are all there. Blueing is 100 percent except for some small spot right around the top rib where Dan Rossiter from Custom Stocks and Steel, believed there may have been a bit oil or whatever missed when the factory did the barrels. Gun has been apart one time and that was by Dan when he checked the internals. He added the Antiflinch pad (forgot what was on it). Bought this at a small in Va from a collector. Gun’s bores were covered in cosmoline and per the house the gun had not been fired for over 50 years (who knows). Wasn’t fired much if at all. Some flaking on the finish in spots. I’ve done nothing to the gun and its time to move it on. Pictures when the sun comes up. Serial Number: 122114, Barrel Length: 26″, Chambers: 2 3/4″, Ejectors: Yes, Condition: Excellent, Metal Condition: Excellent, Wood Condition: Small bit of flaking, Bore Condition: Mint, Triggers: 2, Gauge: 12, Butt Pad: Jostam Anti flinch, Weight: 6 lb 9 oz, Choke Left: Mod, Choke Right: IC. PS. This is a Savage marked gun with all the best Philly Fox features. Also had twin Ivory beads (front and rear). Price: $1,950

Online auction alert: 16g Fox Sterlingworth, No Reserve…

May 27, 2020 by Gregg

FOX STERLINGWORTH by SAVAGE 16 Gauge Side by Side Shotgun

For as long as I can remember, the Fox Sterlingworth has been the go-to shotgun for bird hunters looking to jump into the world of vintage American side-by-sides.

Typically, these guns cost less than comparable Parkers and weigh less than comparable L.C. Smiths and Ithacas.

The Sterlingworth is also a great looking gun built on a solid, dependable design. In its day, it was marketed as “… a plain, staunch, trustworthy gun, at a reasonable price, that will make good all the time and under all conditions.” That’s still true now.

This one’s on Gunbroker.com now. It looks like a good, honest gun that has seen plenty of field use and been well taken care of its entire life. The online auction for it ends 5/31/2020 @ 8:08 PM.

BTW: To learn more about why hunters have been fond of these Fox shotguns for so long, READ: A LOVE FOR THE FOX STERLINGWORTH.

FOX STERLINGWORTH by SAVAGE 16 Gauge Side by Side Shotgun: This auction features the pictured 16 Gauge Fox Sterlingworth Shotgun built while under Savage ownership. This gun has 28-inch barrels choked Full and Modified. The length of pull measures 14 and 1/8 inches. The bores are bright and shiny. The front bead will be replaced before the gun is shipped.

This week’s 5 doubles you don’t want to miss …

September 29, 2019 by Gregg

F.lli Piotti King I Sidelock I 20 Gauge I Sidelock: 28″ Chokes: IC – M L.O.P. : 14 3/4″ Drop: 1 1/2″C x 2 1/4″H Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz Ser. #: 9189 Price: $25,900

PURDEY “LIGHTWEIGHT”, 12 gauge, 1937: This little Purdey is amazing. It is very close to the way it left the makers in 1937. It is safe to say that the blue and case color show at least 90% of their original glow. The barrels are 26″ with 2 5/8″ chambers, proofed for 1 1/8oz., choked cylinder and improved cylinder. The stock measures 14 1/2″ with 1 1/2″ drop at comb and 2 1/2.” at heel. The gun weighs 6 1/4 lbs. Checkering is sharp and both stock and forend are sound, no blemishes or repairs. This little gun hasn’t been out very much. Now for the wonderful surprise. The case includes all of the original tools, unused. As pictured, they include: three turnscrews, oil bottle, bore and chamber brushes, a field pull through, various small brushes and a stuck case remover, all in their leather pouches. There is a spare set of firing pins, with their springs, housed in an ivory bottle. And the case is original for the gun. Reduced price is firm and includes 2 flats of RST ammo. Price: $22,500

Parker – GHE, 12ga, 100% New: 30” barrels choked Mod./Full, 1 ½ frame, late Parker/Remington production that is 100% new with very minor handling marks. Double trigger, automatic ejector, pistol grip, long length of pull, original factory pad. One of the highest conditioned guns we have ever owned. Collector quality, guaranteed authentic. It has all of the original trigger guard blue and even the forend has all the original case color. This gun is just new, untouched and authentic. If you are looking for the best, here it is. Price: $14,995

WINCHESTER MODEL 21 PRE WAR 16 GAUGE: #67XX, 26″ IC AND MOD 2 3/4″, SINGLE SELECT TRIGGER, EJECTORS, BEAVERTAIL FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, CHECKERED BUTT, MINTY ORIGINAL CONDITION, 6LBS 14 OZ, 2 7/16″ DAH, 1 9/16″ DAC, 14 1/2″ LOP Price: $7,950

A.H.Fox 16ga. Sterlingworth 30″ Barrels: Built-in Philadelphia in 1926. This gun has the hard to find 30″ barrels choked modified .015″ and full .035″.The gun is in outstanding all original condition. It retains 98% of the original case colors, 99% of the original barrel blue, and 98% of the original wood finish. All screws are still timed and appear to be unturned. The bores are mint with no dents, rust, or pits. The stock is sound with no cracks or damage. The top lever is far to the right and the barrels lock up with no play. This gun has been shot very little. I used it on doves this season and it handles and patterns beautifully. At 6 lbs 2 ounces, it would make a great walk up pheasant gun. Very hard to find in the configuration and condition. Price: $2995

Odd, but still decent: a 16g Fox Sterlingworth

July 15, 2019July 14, 2019 by Gregg

Very nice A H FOX 16 ga 28in English Stocked gun

Over the last 20 years, I’ve owned a number of A. H. Fox shotguns, including an SP Grade Skeet & Upland Game Gun, several A-grades, Sterlingworths (including a pin gun with ejectors and a minty Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Game Gun) and a nice HE/Super Fox. I’ve sold off or traded away almost all those guns, and today, I’m not as interested Ansley’s doubles as I used to be.

But one gun I would still like to own is a 16g Sterlingworth with a straight, English-style stock. These guns were made in the Savage period and badged Skeet & Upland Game models. They’re tough to find, so when I saw this listing on Gunbroker.com, I was excited. I was thrilled when I saw the price.

But on closer inspection, I discovered this gun isn’t what I had hoped. Instead of being a Skeet & Upland Game, it’s just regular Sterlingworth that was converted to a straight grip. Whoever did the work did a nice job. They even extended the trigger guard out to make it look more “English” — something Savage didn’t bother doing on their Skeet & Upland Game guns.

Regardless, it’s a nice looking gun. And if you’re looking for a classic, American grouse gun, it’s a good deal. This online auction ends today, 7/15/2019 @ 1:54 PM EST.

Very nice A H FOX 16 ga 28in English Stocked gun: 28 in Special Alloy steel barreled 16 gauge gun. Case colors remaining in scattered areas. Extractors, long trigger tang, White front bead and mid-bead. 1 7/8″ DAC, 3″ DAH, 14 3/8″ LOP. Clean bores, perfect mechanicals. Choked IM and a tight Full. A svelte 6lbs 7 oz.

5 doubles you don’t want to miss …

October 22, 2018 by Gregg

A. GALAZAN BEST PINLESS SIDELOCK SXS 20 GAUGE: RICHARD ROY ENGRAVED, 29″ SELF OPENER 005 AND 015 2 3/4 CHAMBERS, SINGLE TRIGGER, EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, CHECKERED BUTT WITH ENGRAVED HEEL AND TOE PLATES, 6LBS 1 OZ, 2 1/4″ DAH, 1 1/2″ DAC, 14 3/8″ LOP. Price: $37,500

F.lli Piotti 20g King No.1 Sidelock Ejector Side-by-Side Shotgun: H&H pattern bar action sidelock ejector, case colored with very well cut engraving of rose bouquets and the finest English style scroll. Platinum cocking indicators, non-auto safety, and two triggers — the front one being hinged.
Nicely figured Turkish walnut stock has a straight hand, diamond-shaped grip and splinter forend with an Anson pushrod release.29″ Chopper Lump barrels, 3″ chambers: 3″ (76mm). Choke Left: .020″, Choke Right: .010″. Very fine and expertly cut checkering with Mullered borders. 14 9/16″ LOP over a 1″ Pachmayr pad. Manufactured in 1996 (“BH” date code) the gun has 29″ chopper lump steel barrels with a raised concave matted rib and are choked IC/M. Price: $15,000

Williams Evans 12 Gauge Sidelock Ejector SxS Matched Pair: 28″ barrels, light modified & modified, perfect bores, 2 3/4″ chambers, cased, excellent plus. Price: $12,000.

Fox Sterlingworth 16Ga SxS: Serial Number: 365631, Barrels: 28″, Chokes: Mod/Full. Price: $1,900

Ithaca SKB Mod. 100 20ga 28 in. S x S: Barrels choked F / M. Single select trigger. Non-ejector. Engraved scalloped boxlock action in extremely good condition. Wood has some handling marks. Very nice shotgun. 14 in. LOP to factory butt plate. Price: $1350

12g Fox HE & Sterlingworth Wildfowl: Coming up at PoulinAuctions.com …

October 16, 2018 by Gregg

What’s the greatest double-barrel duck gun ever made in America? A lot of people think it’s the two models you see here: An A.H. Fox HE and a Fox Sterlingworth Wildfowl. Both of the ones you see here are coming up this Saturday in Poulin Auctions 10/20/18 sale. Check out the info and video below to find out more about them.

12G A.H. FOX HE GRADE SUPER FOX SXS SHOTGUN, Coming up at PoulinAuctions.com 10/0/18

Lot #1080: 12G A.H. FOX HE GRADE SUPER FOX SXS SHOTGUN W/ADDITIONAL BBLs

Lot #1084: 12G SAVAGE FOX STERLINGWORTH WILDFOWL SXS SHOTGUN

Good gun alert: 20g Fox Sterlingworth ejector, upgraded stock…

January 27, 2018January 26, 2018 by Gregg

This 20g Fox is an odd duck. While it’s a great looking SxS with nice wood on it, the stock’s wrong for a Sterlingworth.

Most Fox Sterlingworths had pistol grip stocks. Some came with straight stocks. None were offered with round-knob stocks like you see on this 20. Fox offered round-knob stocks, but reserved them for their other models–A-grades and up.

But…the stock on this Sterlingworth looks right for a Fox. So how did it get there? It may have been special ordered, the gun may maybe have gone back to the factoy for it, or this Sterlingworth may have been restocked by someone who really knew what they were doing.

Regardless, this little 20g side-by-side is a nice gun. With ejectors it’s rare, too. Overall, I think it’s a good deal.

Fox Sterlingworth SxS 20 Gauge Ejectors Nice Wood!!: 28″ barrels 14″ LOP 1 .75 drop at comb. 2.5 drop at heel. 2 weight barrels. Choked M/Cyl. Bores are bright and shiny. Bluing on barrels is in great shape with no dents. Muzzle has some minor handling marks. Case coloring is 40-50%. Screws are in good shape and the slots are not rolled over. Bluing on trigger gaurd show some wear around serial numbers. Top lever is right of center. Showing that it locks tight and has been gently used. Automatic saftey link is still there and working. Stock finish is in nice shape. I do not see any splits or cracks in wood. Butt plate in great shape. Checkering in great shape. Price: $2,650.

Good gun alert: 16g Fox Sterlingworth — $599!

January 19, 2018 by Gregg

Fox Sterlingworth - 16 Gauge - Side-by-side Double Barrel Shotgun — Fox Sterlingworth – 16 Gauge – Side-by-side Double Barrel Shotgun

If this gun is as good as it looks, it’s a deal.

Get on it now — Cabela’s won’t have it for sale for very long.

Fox Sterlingworth – 16 Gauge – SxS Double Barrel Shotgun:
Price: $599.99

Manufacturer: S/N: 3702XX
Caliber: 16 Gauge
Chambers: 2 3/4
Metal Condition: Fair
Wood Condition: Fair
Bore Condition: Good
Barrels: 28′

Triggers: Double
Stock: Walnut- Stock has been refinished
Stock Dimensions:
13 7/8″ LOP front trigger
Fore End: Walnut – Fore End has been refinished
Weight: 6 1/4 lbs.
Sights: Center Rib
Chokes: Modified / Full

Scarce: A.H. Fox Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Game…

September 22, 2017 by Gregg

I bet we would have liked Charles Davis. A dog breeder and grouse hunter, Mr Davis created “Shooting Around the Clock” back in 1920s to improve his shotgun skills and kill time between hunting seasons. By the ’30s, this game had evolved into Skeet and become the hottest shooting sport in the country. It had also become a sales opportunity many gunmakers were aiming to take advantage of.

The Sterlingworth Skeet and Upland Game Gun, was the SxS the A.H. Fox Co. made to target this new market. This model debut in company’s 1935 catalog. Here’s some info about these shotguns from the AH Fox Collectors Association website:

To meet the demand for a moderately priced skeet and upland game double gun we have produced the famous Fox-Sterlingworth gun in this new straight grip model with 26″ barrels bored: right skeet, cylinder, left quarter choke. This is a standard stock model possessing the features of skeet boring and stock design heretofore available only in custom-built guns

Barrels– Fluid compressed steel, 26″ length bored right skeet cylinder and left quarter choke
Action– Two trigger, extractor type
Stock– American walnut straight grip, length 14″, drop at comb 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 1/2″
Engraving– Ornamented with line engraving on frame and guard
Weight– 12 gauge about 7 lbs, 16 gauge about 6 lbs, 20 gauge about 5 3/4 lbs

The following extras are furnished to order: Automatic ejectors, Fox-Kautzky Selective single trigger, Beavertail forend, recoil pad, Ivory sights

Of course, the one you see here is for sale. Here’s the listing for it from Gunsinternational.com:

Fox Skeet and Upland Game 12 bore SxS: Very nice, scare Fox Upland Skeet model Sterlingworth Utica, NY manufacture. 12 bore with .005 & .012 chokes in the original 26″ barrels. Bright shiny bores. 2 3/4″ chambers. Solid rib with ivory front and center bead. Extractor & double triggers. Case color in the protected areas with the balance of the receiver faded bright. Very nice original straight grip butt stock and semi beavertail for end. Good checking and finish and less than normal nicks and dings. 14 1/4″ LOP 1 1/2″ DAC and 2 1/8″ DAH. Lever falls to the center and has a tight lock up and is on face. Excellent original blue on the barrels and trigger guard showing only a few scattered freckles.
?matching numbers. An excellent scarce Fox for the shooter or collector. Price: $2,350

Good gun alert: 12 gauge A.H. Fox Sterlingworth Ejector, $895 …

August 1, 2017July 30, 2017 by Gregg

I can be hard on American shotguns. Parkers, L.C. Smiths. Foxes, Lefevers, Ithacas –I’ve owned them all, and it’s not that I don’t think they’re decent doubles. It’s just that they’re WAY too expensive today.

Once you get over the sentimental thrill of owning an “Old Reliable”, you realize the prices for Parkers and other made-in-the-USA SxSs are more about nostalgia than quality. This 20 gauge Parker A-1 Special is a perfect example. While it sold for$253,000, this 20 gauge, $8.750 Francotte is a better gun.

12 gauge A.H. Fox Sterlingworth with ejectors

All that being said, every now and then though I come across an American-made SxS that I see as being true to its heritage. This 12 gauge A.H. Fox Sterlingworth with ejectors is that kind of gun.

Sterlingworths were built to affordable, practical doubles appropriate for all kinds of shooting. And this gun is just that. At this price, it’s just what Fox wanted Sterlingworth to be: A ton of gun for the money (AKA a great deal).

Fox Sterlingworth 12 Gauge SXS Shotgun: With 28″ Barrels, Choked IC/Mod, Double Triggers, Auto Ejectors, Barrels 90% And Thinning, Receiver 20% Case Colors, Wood 60% With Handling Marks, 1927 Philadelphia Gun. Price: $895

12 gauge A.H. Fox Sterlingworth with ejectors

Good gun alert: 12g A.H. Fox Sterlingworth, 32″ barrels…

May 18, 2016 by Gregg

Fox Sterlingworth Trap SxS Shotgun, 32" barrels — Fox Sterlingworth Trap SxS Shotgun, 32″ barrels

Like a lot of guys, my first real SxS was a Fox Sterlingworth. My gun was a 12g with 30″ barrels, and even though it didn’t fit me, I killed a lot of wild pheasants with it.

Introduced in 1910 and built until around 1940, the Sterlingworth was Fox’s best selling shotgun. The vast majority were 12 gauges with 28″ or 30″ barrels. But the company also offered 12g Sterlingworths with 26″ and 32″ barrels.

From the beginning, Fox associated a “style” with the barrel lengths of its Sterlingworths: 26″ guns were Brush styles, 28″ guns were Field styles, 30″ guns were Standard styles, and 32″ guns were Trap styles.

That means the guns you see here is a true Trap-style Sterlingworth, and with it’s 32″ barrels, it would a great gun for sporting clays or the field.

Fox Sterlingworth “Trap” SxS Shotgun, 32″ barrels: A totally original and honest 32″ 12 gauge Sterlingworth. Not messed with and in great user condition. Tight as new. Lever way right of center. Completely on face. Both chokes are original with 4 1/2″ of taper. Just a nice user with perfect barrels. Price: $1350

Model: Sterlingworth Trap
Serial Number: 121061
Ejectors: No
Condition: Original

Metal Condition: Original blue
Wood Condition: Original finish and checkering
Bore Condition: Unhoned and no pitting
Gauge: 12
Stock: 14 1/4″ x 1 5/8″ x 2 3/4″
Rib: Rings like a bell
Weight: 7 lbs 5 oz
Manufacture Date: 1928
Choke Left: .729 (.041)
Choke Right: .729 (.023)
Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .030
Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .029

A couple classics: A 16g Ithaca NID & a 20g Fox Sterlingworth…

December 23, 2015 by Gregg

20 gauge Savage-Fox Sterlingworth SXS shotgun, 28" barrels — 20 gauge Savage-Fox Sterlingworth SXS shotgun, 28″ barrels

Stone walls. Grown-over apple orchards. English setters.

If you’re a sucker for all the trappings of traditional grouse hunting, you’ll probably like the classic American shotguns posted here.

I’ve called the Fox Sterlingworth the gateway drug of doubles. It has been the first side-by-side for a lot of guys (including me), and it has initiated a passion that has taken over many a life.

This Sterlingworth caught my eye because it’s a 20g with 28″ and super shootable stock dimensions. It’s also priced very fairly.

Savage Arms Co. Sterlingworth, 20 Gauge Game Gun: Price: $1,499.99
Chambers: 2 3/4
Metal Condition: Very Good
Wood Condition: Very Good
Bore Condition: Very Good
Barrels: 28″ Blued Steel with Tapered Concave Rib
Triggers: Double Triggers with Extractors
Stock: Checkered Walnut Pistol Grip Butt Stock
Stock Dimensions:
DAC: 1 3/8″, DAH: 2 3/8″, Cast off: 1/8″, 14″
Fore End: Checkered Walnut Splinter Style
Butt Pad: Synthetic Butt Plate
Weight: 6 lbs. 2 ozs.
Sights: Single Bead
Chokes: Fixed: Full & Modified

16 gauge Ithaca NID Side-by-Side Shotgun

Ithaca was one America’s most successful gunmakers, and NID was the final incarnation of their SxSs. These guns are basic and tough– like old-school F150s with crank windows and bench seats. This 16g NID is on Gunbroker.com now, and the listing ends tomorrow, 12/23, @ 8:26:50 AM ET.

Ithaca NID Star Model 16 GA: Up for sale we have a beautiful NID 16 guage, 28″barrels choked M/F, all serial numbers match. This gun was made in 1929, 2 3/4″ chambers and shoots well, the gun is very solid and locks up tight. There is one deep scratch on the forearm, other then that the wood is really nice. The barrels and bores are excellent.

If this 20g A.H. Fox Sterlingworth SxS is legit, it’s a steal …

August 24, 2015August 23, 2015 by Gregg

A.H. Fox Sterlingworth SxS 20ga 2 3/4″, Straight Stock, Skeet & Upland Game?

I’m not sure what we’re seeing here. Is this a rare, 20 gauge A.H. Fox Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Game gun? Or is it just regular 20g Sterlingworth someone has messed with?

This gun is serial number — 270421 — which puts it around 1938. That’s near the end of the line for A.H. Fox, and three years into the period when the company was building their straight-gripped, high-stocked Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Game guns. So there’s a chance this is one of those guns. If that’s the case, it’s a great deal.

A.H. Fox Sterlingworth SxS 20ga 2 3/4", Straight Stock, Skeet & Upland Game? — A.H. Fox Sterlingworth SxS 20ga 2 3/4″, Straight Stock, Skeet & Upland Game?

But here’s the thing: The stocks on Sterly S&UGs didn’t have the checkered sidepanels — or at least none of the ones I’ve seen, and the none ones Fox advertised in their literature, had stocks with checkered sidepanels. That detail was reserved for Foxes in B-grade and up.

So did the person who ordered this gun also ask for the panels? Did a stocker at the company add them as a way to kill the last few hours of a work week? Or was the stock a leftover intended for a higher-grade gun, and since A.H. Fox was nearing its end, the company wanted to use it up?

Of course, the other possible answers to this riddle are a restock — maybe by Savage at a later date or by someone else — or maybe even little custom work to the wood after the gun after it was delivered (I doubt this, though). But even if one of those are the case, this side-by-side is still a nice little double.

Fox Sterlingworth 20GA. NICE! Straight Stock!

Fox Sterlingworth SxS 20ga 2 3/4″
Action tight Bluing 85%. Case color 12%
Desirable 26” barrels
Straight Stock! Wood shows handling wear. Has recoil pad installed
Acouple shallow dings in the barrels from over the years
LOP – 15 1/8 DAC – 1 1/4” DAH – 2 3/8”
Great light weight gun weighing in at 6lbs 2oz
Middle barrel bead, double triggers, extractors, box lock

Price: $1,850

Auction alert: 16 gauge A.H. Fox Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland game …

August 21, 2015 by Gregg

Fox Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Game 16 Ga Straight Stock Shotgun, 28” - Made 1935 – Mod & Imp Mod – 6 Lb 7 Oz — Fox Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Game 16 Ga Straight Stock Shotgun, 28” – Made 1935 – Mod & Imp Mod – 6 Lb 7 Oz

Here is a hard Fox to find. It’s a 16g Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Game gun and it’s on Gunbroker.com now. The auction ends 8/24/2015 @9:30:00 PM ET.

The Sterlingworth Skeet and Upland Game Gun was introduced in 1935. Skeet was new sport then, having been invented in 1920 by Charles Davis, a grouse hunter from Andover, MA.

In 1926, William Harnden Foster introduced Skeet to America with an article in the February issue ofNational Sportsman and Hunting and Fishing magazine. The game boomed in popularity and by the ’30s makers offers shotguns tailored for the sport.

Fox added the Skeet & Upland Game Gun to their line in 1935 to “…meet the demand for a moderately priced skeet and upland game double gun”. They were offered in 12, 16 & 20 gauge, and with 26″ & 28″ barrels.

BTW: For a comp, here’s a nearly-new 16g with 26″ barrels that sold a couple years ago.

Fox Sterlingworth 16 Ga Straight Stock Shotgun, 28” – Made 1935 – Mod & Imp Mod – 6 Lb 7 Oz: This Fox Sterlingworth bears a Utica barrel address, was made in 1936 (SN 3726xx), has 28” barrels choked Modified and Improved Modified with 2-3/4” chambers and mid/front ivory beads, automatic safety, straight stock, extractors, 2-1/2” DAH, 1-5/8” DAC and 13-3/8” & 14-1/8 LOP. The weight is a handy 6 pounds, 7 ounces.

It retains about 65% blue with most of the thinning on the sides and a small ding in the right tube 10-1/4” from the breech that is barely visible inside. There’s also evidence of a very shallow dent on the bottom of the left tube 5” from the muzzle that seems to have been professionally removed. The bores are perfect mirrors and examination with a Hawkeye bore scope yields no indication of polishing. The frame retains 60% of original case color. The stocks are completely sound with scattered light to moderate handling marks (mostly light) and a repaired small, shallow chip on the right side of the butt plate. It is 100% on-face, lock-up is as tight as a vault (tested with the forend removed) and the top lever comes to rest well right of center. Though this gun has a short tang there are known factory examples of short tang straight stocked guns and there is absolutely no sign of it having been modified. A very nice 16 gauge that, on handling, one can immediately feel will comport itself quite well in the field.

Good gun alert: Nice looking 16g A.H. Fox Sterlingworth …

June 19, 2015June 19, 2015 by Gregg

A.H. Fox Sterlingworth 16 GA Utica NY. 28” barrels

Here’s a great way to start an affair with nice American doubles. With 28″ barrels and what looks like an all-original finish, this Fox Sterlingworth is nice. And the price –$1095 — makes is even nicer.

From 1910 to about 1940, A.H. Fox and then the Savage Arms Company built around 140,000 Sterlingworths. Most were 12 gauges, but about 23,000 were 16s. Whatever the gauge, these side-by-sides were, and still are, great doubles — especially when they’re priced right.

A.H. Fox Sterlingworth 16 GA Utica NY. 28” barrels. Tight Full/Tight Mod. LOP 14 1/8” & 13 ¼”, DAC 1 5/8”, DAH 2 5/8”. Chambered for 2 ½” shells. Numbers matching gun. Condition: Barrels have a nice ring to them. Bright shinny bore. Right barrel has imperfection about 14” in. Signs of imperfection are visible from outside if looking down the side of barrel. Tight solid action. Barrel lever is right of center. Nice shooter. Price: $1,095