Inheritance: Old Browning A5 1950(?) Value?

[SLCscottie]

Browning serial B11819.

Diamond shape then BP after it.
Some rust. Needs cleaned and lubed.
Very heavy.

I hope the pics help identify it. I am not having any success identifying it on the Browning web sight. Nothing matches the serial number with the B11819.

What do you guys think it is worth before and maybe after repairs.

 

[SLCscottie]

Additional Pics

The tip of the butt of the stock has a medium chip out of it.

 

[SLCscottie]

Last pics

Last pics for identification

 

[waidmann]

Scottie,
I thought I knew something about A-5's but I am SOL. I checked my references Re: that serial, no luck. The BP in lozenge and diamond, do not conform to Belgian or to my knowledge any Western European proofs. The Spanish used BP above an oval on shotgun barrels.The serial location is usually on the underside forward of the feed access, any sign of alteration? I notice it's not a Light Twelve. Yes, they are heavy.

Hopefully someone will educate us?

Rough but operable A-5's around here trade from around $350 up (although some folks ask much more). A Sweet Sixteen or Light Twenty can bring much more.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

What leads you to believe it's circa 1950?

 

[orphanedcowboy]

It is a American Browning, made by Remington for Browning during the Nazi occupation of Belgium, during the WWII years from 1940-47 these were contracted to Remington, part are not interchangeable between the FN made Auto-5 and the Remington made model

 

[SLCscottie]

Thank you

Thank you gentlemen.

That is a big help.

I'm hearing not much on the value.

 

[gotigers]

I have a Belgium '51. The serial number is has a different nomenclature. My A-5's serial number is on the bottom of the receiver just in front of the loading port.

 

[smurfman]

As orphanedcowboty stated, the gun was made by Remington and rebadged to Browning. It is a hybrid between the Remington M-11 and the Browning A-5which can be a problem with parts as some M-11 parts are used as are some A-5 and some parts were altered from the original to make it all fit. The main visual difference between the M-11 and the "American" A-5 is the latter has the magazine cut off and the former does not. This is what has caused some issues with parts in my experience. Most parts are M-11 based, a few are FN/Browning and it can be a chore to distinguish between them.

The serial number prefix refers to the bore size, A=16 ga, B=12 ga, and C=20 ga. The value of these guns are more in line with the M-11 than the A-5 with the unknowing/unscrupulous paying/charging A-5 prices for them. I have the full collection of these guns in very good shooter condition, I don't think any are worth more than $300 and would guess yours in the $250 range for around here. The solid rib adds a slight premium over the standard plain barrel but even that would only be maybe $25.

 

[waidmann]

Appreciate you guys coming to the rescue. I kind of expected the "U.S. answer" but none of my resources indicated a change in serialization. The "proof marks" also threw me for a loop.

As the owner of a tired but effective 16 ga. Model 11 (1947 mfg.) I readily absorb your comments. Thanks for informing Scottie.