Browning Automatic Light 12 Questions

shawnr72 · September 28, 2008, 09:29 AM

My brother wanted me to check into a gun he has and I am looking for more specifics on this gun. The gun was marked with "Made In Belgium"

I have included photos of markings on gun in two locations.

Can anyone fill me in to whatever these marking mean for year made, serial number, and any other items about gun.

Thanks for your help.

PetahW · September 28, 2008, 03:40 PM

The first set of marks are proof marks.

The year of manufacture can only be found via the serial number/code.

.

shawnr72 · September 28, 2008, 03:50 PM

Where can I find the serial number?

What do the other marks mean then?

Steven Mace · September 28, 2008, 04:33 PM

shawnr72, the serial number should be stamped on the bottom of the receiver just behind the forearm and forward of the of open area with the carrier. You should be able to determine the year of manufacture by visiting the link below.

http://www.browning.com/customerserv...tail.asp?id=13

Hope this helps!

Steve Mace

shawnr72 · September 28, 2008, 08:23 PM

The second photo from original post is from the bottom of the gun just behind the opening that goes to the chamber. It was stamped L783. Based on the information from Browning site it appears that this would have been produced in 1954 - 1955 and light series and number 783 of 83000.

Am I reading this correct?

Any idea on value of the gun for insurance purposes?

Thanks again for all the help.

PetahW · September 29, 2008, 06:30 PM

"IF" that is the serial number, then that would denote a 1953 manufacture - the first year for the Light Twelve.

.

shawnr72 · October 26, 2008, 05:07 PM

Any idea on a rough approximate value?

September 28, 2008, 04:33 PM	#4
Steven Mace Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 1999 Location: Clifton, Colorado USA Posts: 724	shawnr72, the serial number should be stamped on the bottom of the receiver just behind the forearm and forward of the of open area with the carrier. You should be able to determine the year of manufacture by visiting the link below. http://www.browning.com/customerserv...tail.asp?id=13 Hope this helps! Steve Mace __________________ After today, its all historical

September 28, 2008, 03:40 PM	#2
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	The first set of marks are proof marks. The year of manufacture can only be found via the serial number/code. .

September 28, 2008, 03:50 PM	#3
shawnr72 Junior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 4	Where can I find the serial number? What do the other marks mean then?

September 28, 2008, 08:23 PM	#5
shawnr72 Junior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 4	The second photo from original post is from the bottom of the gun just behind the opening that goes to the chamber. It was stamped L783. Based on the information from Browning site it appears that this would have been produced in 1954 - 1955 and light series and number 783 of 83000. Am I reading this correct? Any idea on value of the gun for insurance purposes? Thanks again for all the help.

September 29, 2008, 06:30 PM	#6
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	"IF" that is the serial number, then that would denote a 1953 manufacture - the first year for the Light Twelve. .

October 26, 2008, 05:07 PM	#7
shawnr72 Junior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 4	Any idea on a rough approximate value?