a h fox 12 guage duoble barrel shotgun

Question
i have my grandfathers sterlingworth 12 guage double barrel with the stampings of sterlingworth fluid compressed steel stamped on the right barrel and made by a h foc gun co. phila.pa.u.s.a stamped on the left barrel.  the serial number 67735 is stamped on theback side of the trigger guard. It has auto ejectors when broken. It is in average shape at best due to storage in my father in laws attick the past 30 years and has not been used since the 70's. Is this worth anything and could it be used?

Answer
Joe,

You certainly have a shotgun with a long history and is a very desirable firearm to own.... in my opinion.

Ansley H. Fox began the Fox Gun Co. in Baltimore, Maryland in 1886. Guns were also manufactured under the name Philadelphia Gun Co. In approximately 1905 he began operations under the name A.H. Fox. In 1930 the company was purchased by Savage Arms who continued to produce the Fox shotguns.

The Sterlingworth was available in 12, 16, and 20 gauge boxlock double barrel with 26" 28" or 30" barrels. They were produced with double triggers and extractors. Auto ejectors were also available and adds about thirty percent to the value/s. The guns were blued, casehardened with walnut stocks and were manufactured between 1911 and 1946.

A standard grade Sterlingworth (there are about two dozen various models/versions) in "good" condition has an approximate retail value of $800 plus the 30% for the auto ejectors.

As to "could it be used" the general answer is yes however, I do not recommend doing so without first having a qualified gunsmith personally inspect it to be certain.

It sounds like you have a great find with some family history too.

Thanks for the question Joe.

Sid Lark