Mossberg brownie - a fifth variation?

[45Broomhandle]

Has a FIFTH Variation of the venerable little MOSSBERG BROWNIE been discovered? Although a little more than 33,000 were produced from 1919 to 1932, they all LOOKED ALIKE, and exactly like the drawing on Oscar F. Mossberg's submitted patent application! Yet there are possibly FIVE different Variations of that gun now!

About two weeks ago a fellow reported to me that he had obtained a Brownie with serial number 92 and wanted to know if that was the LOWEST serial number reported to my research database on these guns. I told him it was, as the lowest number at that point was up in the 300s. He promised to send me photos to document his claim.

I checked his photos when they arrived and discovered HIS 2-digit serial numbered Brownie had those numbers stamped on the LEFT side of the frame and barrel hinge, instead of the RIGHT side as in ALL other Brownies. This indicated there might be a possiblity that ANY Brownie with a 2-digit serial number might be stamped that way.

Because there can only be a maximum of 99 guns with a 2-digit number, I began my hunt. Almost immediately another fellow offered Brownie 91 for sale at an online gun auction. I was the fortunate winner!



As soon as it was in hand I found it to be stamped identically to the 92 Brownie! NOW I need to find more of these 2-digit guns to examine, or get proof of. IF anyone out there has one or knows of one, please let me know!

Best regards ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle

 

[Owen Meany]

45 Broomhandle,

Great presentation of your Mossberg Brownie serial #91 - wow, congratulations!!!!

Although I don't know that much about the Brownie, believe me, I share your excitement in breaking new ground in what is known about a particular gun's production span, variations, markings, serialization, etc. It is encouraging to see that kind of attention to detail; we need more research-oriented gun enthusiasts (I guess I'm probably defining "collectors" here ), instead of those who acquire old guns because they're "neat", "odd", "pretty", and so forth.

By the way, there can only be a maximum of 90 guns with a 2-digit serial number, not 99 .

 

[45Broomhandle]

Many thanks for that reminder, Owen Meany, and thanks for the kind words. I was so excited with my find that I overlooked the fact that 1 through 9 are 1-digit serial numbers. Hmmmmmm... gotta' correct my language on this in the future.

I'm also researching the GEVARM .22rf semi-auto rifles imported from France back in the '60s. Unfortunately those meant only for European sales keep popping up on this side of the pond and owners think I've got answers to their questions regarding THOSE guns. NOT! Completely different critter!

And, am researching the FIALA family of guns which has a kinship to the Hi-Standards through a mutual designer. This oddball, regardless of maker name on it, is a SINGLE-SHOT magazine-fed action that must be recycled after each shot by hand. UNIQUE!

NO factory records available on any of these gadgets!!! Really makes research difficult - but definitely challenging!

Thanks again for the heads-up on numbering...

Best regards ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle