MOSSBERG BROWNIE RESEARCH - HELP!!!

[45Broomhandle]

ALL HELP GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED, AND WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED. I'm trying to learn if anyone is aware of a fourth (or more) variation of the O.F. Mossberg Brownie model, 4-barrel .22rf pistol. I have THREE variations (pictured below), and have heard from the founder of the Mossberg Collectors that he too knows only of three vaiations.

PLEASE, check those Brownies you've got stashed away. Compare them to the markings in these photos. You may be the proud owner of a more rare FOURTH VARIATION. Don't forget to let us know here on the HR Forum.

For reference, serial numbers may be found: with gun open, near hinge on front section; on butt: under grips on grip strap; inside both side panels (on variation #1); and there MAY be other locations.

I'm also requesting this info on other firearms forums. You may run into them Thanks in advance for any help.

YES! There is a place for all God's creatures: right next to the potatoes and gravy...

 

[INFANTRY]

Mossberg Brownie

I know you said you recently purchased the Brownie you were looking for, but I have had this gun for several years, never knowing very much about it until I came across your thread. Here are a couple of photos and I've noticed that a couple of the details are different than the three photos you posted. The serial number is located inside the pistol, in two locations and is 3064. Being a collector, do you have a suggestion as to the best way to get a fair valuation of it? Thanks for your help!

 

[45Broomhandle]

Thanks For Info

Hi INFANTRY. First off, I'm a bit surprised that you've responded to a posting which is now nearly two years old - Nov. '05. However, I do thank you for the info on your gun. I am trying to make a database of serial numbers and markings to be able to learn more about these interesting little guns.

The best way to value ANY gun is watch what they are selling for on the open market. Especially note their condition. There have been TWO of these early Variation #1 Brownies sold at online gun auctions recently. I personally think they sold at very conservative prices. However, we don't know WHY the bidder wanted them. The earlier guns could be the most dangerous IF they wanted a shooter. As a collector item, condition would be of prime importance. Both guns were $250 to $400 range.

Anyone wanting a Brownie for a shooter would probably wait to find one of the last-made guns marked with the July 27, 1920 patent date, a Variation 3.

Watching for advertised prices in publications like Shotgun News or Gun Digest Magazine (Formerly Gun List) is also helpful in evaluations.

You have some good pictures but there is really no way to truly evaluate a gun without handling it. From the photos it appears that the extractor rod is still with your gun, which is unusual as they've usually been lost way back when.

There is no indication of your location. There might be some THR reader living nearby who would volunteer to take a look at your gun and help with valuing it, if we knew your location. Did you remove the side plates to check for serial numbers on the back?

You mention some details being different. It's not unusual in the various old-timer vintage guns to find variations within any range. And differing parts may be due to changes made at a later date from aftermarket sources. I can see no differences from you photos. Could you be bit more specific.

Thanks for your response, best regards, 45Broomhandle

 

[drawn]

The Brownie must be planning a revival. A friend of mine handed most of a first variation to me today and asked me to try and find parts Ha!!! Well I haven't found the missing right side plate (do have the left) the hardware that bolts them together, firing pin and keep and left grip panel to match the translucent white one that is on the right side and probably after market but a good job of duplication. Just throwing this out there in hopes someone may know where to get parts. email me for more info on my speciaman or leads to find parts.

drawn

 

[45Broomhandle]

Hi drawn. I don't know of anyplace you could buy specific parts for the Brownie. Your best bet is to buy a cheapie at one of the many online auctions and cannibalize parts needed. There's one at the Martin Auction (via Proxibid) on the 14th at the URL below. It's item #2203. Good luck. ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle

http://www.proxibid.com/asp/Catalog.asp#2203

BY THE WAY what is the serial number on that one you were given?

 

[45Broomhandle]

HEY, drawn! I forgot something else. You mentioned "the hardware that bolts them together" talking about the side plates. There is NO "hardware" for them. They are beveled to slide into the frame at front, then there's a single SMALL screw that fastens the back end into the frame. The ORIGINAL grips were ridged walnut, nothing else. they were so wafer-thin that they broke easily and MOST Brownies now have some kind of home-made grips. I'm working on trying to duplicate the look of the originals by using a set of mine to make molds, then make brown resin castings with the ridges. If successful I'll be offering them on the internet for other Brownie owners.

Also, you're probably missing the original Extractor Rod that slides down in that little hole on top of the gun and fits in behind the left grip. See pic below. Those are being reproduced and are offered fairly often at one of the online gun auctions for just under $20.

Keep in touch. Best regards, ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle

 

[drawn]

45Broomhandle,

Yes I'm missing all of those parts. I see now threads for both side panels. I'll recomend buying a parts gun. and who knows he may want to part this one out.

I'll try and email you the serial number as a precaution I typically don't share the exact number on the net. I will however help you with your data base in private.

 

[drawn]

PM Sent.

 

[Micro]

Old thread, I know. But here's my Brownie. Finish isn't great, but its a tight gun, with tight action and extremely clean bores.

Big pics, so I'm posting links...

Brownie1

Brownie2

Brownie3

Brownie4

Brownie5

 

[45Broomhandle]

No problem, Micro. I'll get 'em down to workable size and get back to you. It's late and I'm getting weary. Headin' for the bunkhouse shortly. Many thanks for any info. Will try to get back to you tomorrow.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle

Got pics off okay. Will work on them shortly. Need serial number info. Will send pm with my email address. 45B

 

[Micro]

I just noticed that the rear latch on mine looks a little different than the other early models.

 

[45Broomhandle]

Look for PM. 45B

 

[Micro]

Here's a few more pics...

Serial

Muzzle

Note... despite the blurring in the muzzle picture, the muzzles are not beveled.