Hey all. I have recently acquired what looks like a Browning auto 5 with a date code of "d" which means either 1925 or 1965. I was told by the previous owner that it had been in the family since 1925 BUT the shotgun also has a controller of proof codes mark of "H*" which seems to only have been used from 1938-1968. BUT the serial number of 73XXX puts it pre WW2. This confuses me. Also, did John Browning allow FN to make the A5 and market and sell it as an FN gun in Europe? The name Browning only appears in the patent information. Aside from that, Browning appears nowhere else on the shotgun. Thanks in advance for any help y'all can give.
Browning is normally only mentioned in the patent on FN guns. The serial number points to 1925. Check out this page; https://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=216472 The proof mark is a bit confusing. I assume you have matching numbers on the barrel and receiver? Could you attach a photo of the proof marks?
Had a look at my 1928 Auto-5 (date code g) and it also has a H* proof mark. Either we are both interpreting it wrong or the info on Belgian proof marks is wrong.
In 1965 the “d” would be underlined. And controller info is sketchy at best. The serial number confirms 1925 — if it’s a 12 gauge. Also, except for the barrel markings, Browning imports were identical to World Market guns until the mid 1930’s.
Thanks for the responses. I’ll post pics in the morning for more clarification. Again, I appreciate it! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Here is the pic. Hope the resolution is good enough to be able to make everything out on the barrel. Best Regards, Terry Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Terry, you DO have a World Market gun; that is, one not imported to the U.S. by Browning but sold by FN in some other country. Do you know where its original owner got it? By the way, FN bought the right to use “Browning” as a Trade Mark in, I think, 1925. I’d like to see a picture of the Barrel Address on the rib.
Rudolph, There are no markings other than what you have seen and these. And the last 3 of the serial as well as the entire serial in 2 places. Serial on barrel and receiver do match. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
OK. I have a World Market barrel from 1929 that has the Belgium address on top, and a 1924 barrel with the Ogden address. But neither have a rib, which is probably why. Did you find out where the original owner bought it? If it’s been in the family since 1925 they bought it new, and not in the U.S.
He isn’t sure and the folks that might know are deceased. There are 2 more marks I have, FN in an oval above the serial and what appears to be a capital D in a box below the serial. Both on the underside of the receiver. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thank you for taking all this time with this old shooter. (Gun and me!) I appreciate the effort. Shotgun is about 80-85% with it being an FN and not a Browning labels product is there any way to know a range of value? I paid $600 for it thinking it was a Browning complete Belgium. Still functions mechanically and the barrel is in fine shape inside and out. Just wondering how much I over paid :/ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It is a Browning. JMB had a very close relationship with FN, and for many years all of the guns sold by Browning Arms were made by FN. As to value, if your gun is in the condition you say, I think it’s a bargain. Just think of the crap they sell these days for $600. Enjoy your masterpiece of wood and machined steel. Oh, do me a favor and go over to the Flagler airport and tell Tripp I said hi.
HA! Stopped at that airport some have you? What part of MO are you from? Most of my wife’s family lives there. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
