Belgian model A-5 questions...

[NH-GP100]

So, I picked up an A-5 for what I think was a fair price (less than a new modern pump) recently. Anybody here an A-5 guy?

I don't really know a lot about them other than I liked the one I shot ages ago and they have a history.


I met the guy who said he was selling off a bunch of stuff he got when he bought out a collection being sold by a lady whose husband had died. Went over it, seemed to be operationally fine, clean bore with no issues, cracks in the forearm (an endemic problem with them I was aware of), and a god-awful fiber optic sight on the front.


Figuring if nothing else it was worth what he was asking for it as a usable shotgun so I went for it.


Now I am trying to figure out *EXACTLY* what I bought...


Barrel is marked "Browning Arms Company SṬ Louis Mo (Note: I can't tell if it's the Greek "alpha" or an "o")


Receiver is marked "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE"
Underneath that is "BROWNING S PATENT DETCSE"


Proof marks down the barrel along the forearm are as follows:


* Special Steel - 12 GA. - SHELLS 2½"

1Kg 300 λ (Star over N) (2½ over P.V) - then there are 2 other proofs that I know about. The "Lambda" should indicate "1928" for DOM, the (Star over N) is an inspectors mark.


From this website: http://proofhouse.com/browning/a5.htm based on the S/N it is manf 1932 (S/N 125xxx)


From this website: http://damascus-barrels.com/Belgian_All_Proofmarks.html based on the proof marks on the barrel it is manf 1928.



Anyway, have any clues, tips, info, etc? If it weren't for that abomination of an FO sight on it it may be worth a bit more (not a huge amount, but a bit more) that I paid for it. I would like to either shoot it or sell it for more than I paid, but am not sure what way to go...

Frankly, I would like to keep it and shoot it, but I also want to make sure I don't run anything through it that would damage it or damage me... I know that the FO sight and cracked forearm really doesn't help with any value, but it would be nice to know what it is worth.

(note: this is sorta copypasta from an email I sent to another gunny, I can do pix if need be, but they may be less than ideal as I don't have a light box)

 

[mac1911]

2 1/2" shells can be had. Nice gun as for value? Quick look on gun broker seems really dependant on condition.... yours sounds lovingly used. Good luck. 350+
Brownings web site used to have a serial look up section.?

 

[NH-GP100]

2 1/2" shells can be had. Nice gun as for value? Quick look on gun broker seems really dependant on condition.... yours sounds lovingly used. Good luck. 350+
Brownings web site used to have a serial look up section.?

My bad on the SHELLS, I picked the wrong symbol, its 2 3/4".

Brownings website sez "Beginning with Serial Number 1 to approximately 228,000. Exact production figures are not available. Year of manufacture on Pre-World War II production is strictly a guess.". How accurate the information in the links above is anybodies guess...

 

[Sprocket]

What is the serial number. Are there any codes above the number?
G5 = 1965 year of mfgr

You should be able to id the year first. That will give you clues to the rest of the gun

Where is the safety located? The single * indicates a full choke. How's the butt plate condition?

Post up some pics

 

[NH-GP100]

Proof Marks


Receiver left side closeup showing numbers on screws. Note the safety where the safety on a Garand would be.


Receiver right side proof marks

 

[mac1911]

checkered pistol grip stock, horn buttplate, also available in a 3 shot version with shorter magazine tube to limit capacity to 3 rounds from 1932-1940. Importation temporarily ceased in 1940 with the German occupation of Belgium, ser. no. range 1-224,596 (12 ga.) and 1-126,175 (16 ga.). Mfg. in Herstal, Belgium 1903-1940.
View Historic Prices
Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60%
Grade 1 $925 $825 $700 $575 $525 $475 $450
Solid matte rib $1,175 $1,075 $975 $875 $775 $675 $625
With vent. rib $1,075 $975 $875 $775 $665 $575 $525
Grade 2 (disc.1937) $1,625 $1,375 $1,150 $1,025 $925 $850 $775
Solid matte rib $2,150 $1,925 $1,625 $1,350 $1,125 $1,075 $725
With vent. rib $2,050 $1,825 $1,525 $1,250 $1,025 $975 $875
Grade 3 (disc. 1940) $3,050 $2,725 $2,425 $2,175 $1,825 $1,600 $1,325
Solid matte rib $3,700 $3,250 $2,900 $2,625 $2,325 $2,025 $1,675
With vent. rib $3,600 $3,150 $2,800 $2,525 $2,225 $1,925 $1,575
Grade 4 (disc. 1940) $4,500 $4,050 $3,650 $3,300 $2,800 $2,300 $1,900
Solid matte rib $5,250 $4,650 $4,450 $3,550 $3,150 $2,650 $2,450
Grade 4 w/vent. rib $5,150 $4,550 $4,350 $3,450 $3,050 $2,550 $2,350


If it helps any.

 

[NH-GP100]

Yea, somewhat. I am not sure about the grades though. As you can tell it is very nice shape for a shotgun made in the 20's or 30's. Assuming worst case scenario from the last above I basically stole it.

That said, I found out in my research that it was common for folks to have several barrels for them and swap them out based on how they were being used, so it is very possible that the barrel and receiver didn't leave the factory together - or even in the same decade...

Butt plate condition is good to very good, I will try to get a decent pic up in a bit.

 

[Sprocket]

Sir
Your SN does not have a prefix so the number is the number looks good

No split = awesome for age

Blue is actual blue. My Dads is brown. Patina brown

Proofs are that. Proofs. You know what to look for and that sets you apart from most

No overall gun pics but welcome to the vintage club. Go to shotgunworld.com and start your journey. Jeff Mull. Has great things to say. Read every word he posts. Guru he is. Student you should become.

And of course, more overall pics

 

[Sprocket]

As an enthusiast. I welcome offering advice. Pm me if you want I don't know much but will help if I can