"Humpback"

Potlicker · March 15, 2005, 02:39 PM

Hello Shotgunners,
I'm looking for anyone that can help me officially identify and value my shotgun.
I have a Browning Auto-5 semi-auto 12GA with both a ribbed barrel and a plain barrel. I have the original oiler, cleaning rod and fitted gun case. It has the FN butt plate. It has "Browning 3 Shot" stamped on the front underside of the forearm. Its serial number is 187XXX.
The FN butt plate and serial number tells me that it was manufactured at Fabrique Nationale de Herstal in 1935. However, it has St. Louis stamped on the side of the receiver. As I have not been able to find another set like it anywhere, I believe it to be relatively rare, but don't know for sure. I am not a gun expert, but based on how I see other old shotguns rated on the internet, I would guess its condition to be between 70% and 80%. It is all original.
I need to determine a value on it for insurance purposes.
Thanks for your help.

Crosshair · March 15, 2005, 02:48 PM

Edit out the last 3 numbers of you're serial number. Like 123XXX. Putting the complete serial number online is never a good idea. Anyway, from the A-5s that I have seen I would have to estimate the value between $500-$800. Although those didn't have all the accesories that you listed, so it will probably be worth more. Usualy for serious value, a gun needs to be in 95%+ condition. Someone else will probably have a better idea than me as to its value. Just get that serial number edited out.

Edward429451 · March 15, 2005, 03:24 PM

So THATS where my stolen A-5 went! I'll report my serial number immediately.

Just kidding, but it could happen. (I'd copy the thread, delete the number, and file the thread with important papers jic someone tried it, then you could demonstrate how your number got out in the first place and as a defense to stolen weapon charges.)

Stranger things have happened.

Potlicker · March 15, 2005, 04:09 PM

Thanks guys!!!

Dave McC · March 15, 2005, 05:36 PM

In 70% condition, about $350 to 400 around here.

gordo b. · March 15, 2005, 10:54 PM

"So THATS where my stolen A-5 went! I'll report my serial number immediately."
Should be and the gun returned to it's rightfull owner -post haste!!!!!!

March 15, 2005, 02:39 PM	#1
Potlicker Junior Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Posts: 2	"Humpback" Hello Shotgunners, I'm looking for anyone that can help me officially identify and value my shotgun. I have a Browning Auto-5 semi-auto 12GA with both a ribbed barrel and a plain barrel. I have the original oiler, cleaning rod and fitted gun case. It has the FN butt plate. It has "Browning 3 Shot" stamped on the front underside of the forearm. Its serial number is 187XXX. The FN butt plate and serial number tells me that it was manufactured at Fabrique Nationale de Herstal in 1935. However, it has St. Louis stamped on the side of the receiver. As I have not been able to find another set like it anywhere, I believe it to be relatively rare, but don't know for sure. I am not a gun expert, but based on how I see other old shotguns rated on the internet, I would guess its condition to be between 70% and 80%. It is all original. I need to determine a value on it for insurance purposes. Thanks for your help. Last edited by Potlicker; March 15, 2005 at 04:00 PM.

March 15, 2005, 03:24 PM	#3
Edward429451 Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,457	So THATS where my stolen A-5 went! I'll report my serial number immediately. Just kidding, but it could happen. (I'd copy the thread, delete the number, and file the thread with important papers jic someone tried it, then you could demonstrate how your number got out in the first place and as a defense to stolen weapon charges.) Stranger things have happened. __________________ "Always place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark" Lazarus Long "Understand that the enemy is not the enemy in his own eyes ;this may offer you an opportunity to make him your friend. If not, you can kill him without hate, and quickly." Lazarus Long

March 15, 2005, 04:09 PM	#4
Potlicker Junior Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Posts: 2	Humpback Thanks guys!!!

March 15, 2005, 02:48 PM	#2
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,319	Edit out the last 3 numbers of you're serial number. Like 123XXX. Putting the complete serial number online is never a good idea. Anyway, from the A-5s that I have seen I would have to estimate the value between $500-$800. Although those didn't have all the accesories that you listed, so it will probably be worth more. Usualy for serious value, a gun needs to be in 95%+ condition. Someone else will probably have a better idea than me as to its value. Just get that serial number edited out.

March 15, 2005, 05:36 PM	#5
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,831	In 70% condition, about $350 to 400 around here.

March 15, 2005, 10:54 PM	#6
gordo b. Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2002 Location: Peoples republik of Calif. Posts: 963	"So THATS where my stolen A-5 went! I'll report my serial number immediately." Should be and the gun returned to it's rightfull owner -post haste!!!!!!