I have a question to submit to the brain-trust.
I have an FN manufactured Light Twelve that I'm trying to date, but it doesn't quite conform to the serial number coding scheme that I've found online.
It's a Light Twelve model, as confirmed by all of the internal lightening cuts as well as the cursive "Light Twelve" engraved on the receiver, and it still has the early style one piece carrier assembly.
However, it has a six digit serial number with no letter prefix that is outside of the range of serial range that is listed on Browning website.
According to that list, 1953 production at FN ended with serial number "438000" before switching to a letter prefix in 1954 to differentiate standard and light models.
However, the serial number on my shotgun is "447524" with no prefix.
Any insight as to its date of manufacture?
I'm guessing that the receiver was manufactured and serialized n 1953, but wasn't assembled and shipped until 1954, but I'm no expert.
What do you guys think?
I have an FN manufactured Light Twelve that I'm trying to date, but it doesn't quite conform to the serial number coding scheme that I've found online.
It's a Light Twelve model, as confirmed by all of the internal lightening cuts as well as the cursive "Light Twelve" engraved on the receiver, and it still has the early style one piece carrier assembly.
However, it has a six digit serial number with no letter prefix that is outside of the range of serial range that is listed on Browning website.
According to that list, 1953 production at FN ended with serial number "438000" before switching to a letter prefix in 1954 to differentiate standard and light models.
However, the serial number on my shotgun is "447524" with no prefix.
Any insight as to its date of manufacture?
I'm guessing that the receiver was manufactured and serialized n 1953, but wasn't assembled and shipped until 1954, but I'm no expert.
What do you guys think?