January 23rd 2016 Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2016
12 bore, Barrel length 20". Full choke. This is an extremely early Fabrique Nationale automatic shotgun with a 1903 patent date and is one of the first 10000 shotguns produced. This shotgun was sold by Browning and is stamped on top of the barrel "Browning Automatic Arms Co. Ogden Utah USA". Manufactured in Belgium, stamped "Cockerill Steel". Left side of frame is stamped "Fabrique Nationale herstal-liege. Belgium-Browning Patents" In addition to being an early Browning marked shotgun this gun is elaborately factory engraved. This gun was vetted by several experts at the Louisville gun show, and all agreed it is one of the earliest factory engraved guns to surface. Left side of frame features pointers flushing a rabbit. Top of frame features pigeons. Right top of frame features dogs and fauna. Top of barrel is engraved with a dog's head surrounded by scroll. The entire back of action is stippled which blends to floral engraving on tang. As to condition, barrel retains 95% of original factory blue, the frame is 75% thinning. It has an English style 3x wood stock with fine checkering and an FN butt plate. The wood is very rich but does have numerous dings and bruises. A very rare and early deluxe factory engraved automatic shotgun.