Fabrique Nationale Shotgun Early 20th Century

tman0791 · January 23, 2013, 05:07 PM

Can anyone tell me about the age and value of a 16 gauge shotgun made by Fabrique Nationale D'armes De Guerre Herstal Belgique Browning Patent Depose serial # 31164 in good condition? It is a semi-auto. Just below the serial number is a “V” within a square. Also there are symbols on the right side of the receiver beside the bolt release button: *, J, (third looks like a picture of a hand stamp), drawing of lion, a line and last on the bottom is PV. On the bolt is the numbers 392 and the following symbols; *, H, (third looks like a picture of a hand stamp), drawing of lion, a line and last on the bottom is PV. The receiver is open on the right side to expose the hammer and show the action as it drops (was told once this was a salesmans model?). There is no writing on the barrel at all. A screw head on the left side has a 1 and a 64 on it. Same on the right side. Raised bead front sight. Original stock. All checkering is good on stock and fore-stock. Some cracks (glued years ago) on fore-stock. Metal is brown in color but no rust evident. Some light pitting to left side of receiver. Gun was used for hunting by my great uncle until his death in late 1960’s. Any help is greatly appreciated.

BigD_in_FL · January 23, 2013, 07:51 PM

The lion and PV is the proof mark for smokeless powder.
It most likely has 2-9/16" chamber

PetahW · January 23, 2013, 07:52 PM

Yep, it looks like it's a cutaway FN/Browning A5, which gun was introduced in 1903 (12ga), and updated to include 16ga in 1909 - all prior to 1923, when Browning resumed importation after Dec 1903 discontinuance (during WWI, presumeably).

The versions with the safety mounted in the front of the triggerguard are less desireable than others, but a cutaway salesman's sample would change that.

The value is what some A5 collector would be willing to pay for it - best found at a well attended guns-only auction.

.

tman0791 · January 23, 2013, 08:47 PM

Thanks. That does help.

January 23, 2013, 07:51 PM	#2
BigD_in_FL Junior member Join Date: December 20, 2012 Location: The "Gunshine State" Posts: 1,981	The lion and PV is the proof mark for smokeless powder. It most likely has 2-9/16" chamber

January 23, 2013, 07:52 PM	#3
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	Yep, it looks like it's a cutaway FN/Browning A5, which gun was introduced in 1903 (12ga), and updated to include 16ga in 1909 - all prior to 1923, when Browning resumed importation after Dec 1903 discontinuance (during WWI, presumeably). The versions with the safety mounted in the front of the triggerguard are less desireable than others, but a cutaway salesman's sample would change that. The value is what some A5 collector would be willing to pay for it - best found at a well attended guns-only auction. .

January 23, 2013, 08:47 PM	#4
tman0791 Junior Member Join Date: January 20, 2013 Posts: 2	Thanks. That does help.