Belgium Browning Value
I've got an older Browning A5 made in Belgium. Has 28" vent ribbed barrel. 12 gauge. Serial # 4141X. Has the beavertail type stock with nice checkering on the stock and forearm. Has nice engraving on both sides and top of receiver, and on the upper and lower tang and triggerguard. On the buttplate has Browning Automatic and FN in a circle. Wood is nice with a few light scratches in the finish. Bluing is worn evenly on the barrel and receiver. I'd say has about 90% remaining factory bluing. Will this gun have any collector value or is it just a shooter? Thanks.
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Shooter only. 2+ million A-5's produced. Many never used. Needs to be unique or 96% at least for it's age. Higher grade the newer the model. (my opinion only) #4141X = 1927 mfg.
America...Bless God.0 -
My books show this was a 1926 vintage shotgun....serial nubers for that year were 28001-43000 for a total production of about 15,000 in 1926.
There were 4 types of barrels available...plain without rib and not matted, plain without rib and matted, matted hollow rib, and a matted ventilated rib. Most of the early A-5's were smooth barrels, vent ribs were more money...Plain 12 gauge $21.35, Raised matted $30.20, and the ventilated rib $35.20.....a lot of money in those days.
These came in four grades, I,II,III, & IV. The early barrels were not interchangable like the Post war models, so each barrel was custom fitted to the receiver and has a corresponding serial number stamped on the barrel ring.
Belgium made Browning's always bring more than the later Japanese made models, and pre-war are more desirable. Sometime between 1926 and 1927 Browning began using the often misunderstood symbols for choke designations. (*=Full, **=Improved, ***=Modified, **.=Improved Cylinder, **$=Skeet, ***=Cylinder) Prior to this the choke designation was stamped ahead of the "Special Steel" legend.0 -
Depending where you are in this great land the price could vary significantly.
Assuming 1926-1927 manufacture, the gun will have a "suicide safety" on the front of the trigger guard. In years past this has somewhat reduced the value compared to later models. Lately it hasn't so much been the case.
Here in the Southern Tier of New York the Sweet 16 is the poster child of the A-5's with all others following behind and the 12 ga. being last on the list. In New Jersey the 12 ga. is tops because big game can't be taken with a lesser gauge.
As to your gun... Percentage is always in the eye of the beholder. Assuming you're correct, then the gun borders that fine line between collector interest and being just a shooter. But remember - No matter the number of A-5's produced, they remain the premier auto of the scattergun world. Shooters in 90% condition still command prices well above average.
My guess is that you could expect to pull at least $650.00 for the gun hereabouts. Probably more with a bit of effort. A 20 ga. in the same shape will command another $200.00 and a Sweet 16 will hover in the $1000.00 range. Take the same gun to Jersey and you'll find the tables turned in favor of the 12 ga. Go figure!
Nord0 -
Thanks for all the info. This gun has the safety right behind the trigger and has * special steel 12 ga. -shells 2 3/4" on the left side of the barrel. Thanks again. 0 -
knifeuser, Sounds like a very fine shotgun and always sought after in south Louisiana...like Nord's New Jersey observation, the 12 ga A-5 has long been the favorite around here. Value here anywhere from $600.00 & up. I wish I could take a look at it myself...the safety placement is interesting. If it were mine I would shoot it, show it off, and take care of it diligently. Best regards, Jim
timbroman@aol.com0
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