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A5-Sweet 16 date and value

SaginawgtoSaginawgto Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
edited April 2008 in Ask the Experts
I recently acquired a Browning Sweet 16 with Browning Automatic engraved on the butt plate. I got what I felt was a good deal on it ($300), please tell me if that's not the case. Either way it's a beautiful gun. The barrel is very nice, I would say about 95%. There is one very small scratch on the butt stock (less then 1/4 inch and very light) other then that all the wood is in great shape.
The gun itself it broken down into three pieces and stored in a military looking three compartment sleeve with leather straps to close each of them and a leather handle to carry it by. It apears to have an aftermarket choke (POWerPAC) other then that it all appears to be original and in great condition. If you could help me figure out when it was made and approx. value that would be great.

At the same time I purchased a .50 (CENTRE-FIRE) REMINGTON 'MODEL 1867' NAVY ROLLING-BLOCK PISTOL, 11 1/2in. overall, with sighted barrel stamped with 'I / H.E.' over an anchor, action stamped on the right side with 'P / F.C.W.' and 'REMINGTONS ILION N.Y. U.S.A. / PAT. MAY. 3D. NOV 15TH 1864. APRIL 17TH 1866'. THis gun is a little more worn then the A5 but considering it's age is in good condition. I'll be able to upload some pics of both guns tomorrow. If you have any idea what the approx. value of this type of pistol would be that would be great.

Thank you,


Douglas
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Comments

  • 22hipower22hipower Member Posts: 619 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you'll provide the serial number we can tell you the date of manufacture. The aftermarket choke likely does not help the value but original barrels are available although fairly expensive. Pictures would be a big help.
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  • HerschelHerschel Member Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Look on the barrel and see if it is marked for 2 3/4" shells. If it is an early Browning chambered for the 2 9/16" shells, you have a problem. Some people assume that a Browning 16 ga. shotgun is a Sweet Sixteen. If it is not marked Sweet Sixteen, then you have a standard weight and it is much less valuable. If it is chambered for the 2 9/16" shells, is a standard weight with the add on choke, you paid about all it is worth. The serial number and description of the safety would help evaluate it if you can't post pictures. In theory, bad things can happen to you if you post the complete serial number. Some on this forum will post X's for the last couple of digits.
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  • SaginawgtoSaginawgto Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    In regard to the shell size, it says "Special Steel- 16 gauge shells - 2 3/4". The Serial number is X186xx, the last 2 digits are x-ed out as suggested the first one though is really an X.

    On the left side, above the trigger it says "Browning" with an etching of a guys head right below Browning and above that it says "Sweet Sixteen".

    I've enclosed a couple pics, the first is in the carrying case that it came in.
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  • SaginawgtoSaginawgto Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I guess I can't figure out how to upload the pics of the Sweet 16, anyone who can help with that it would be much appreciated. Thank you
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  • 22hipower22hipower Member Posts: 619 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 22hipower
    If you'll provide the serial number we can tell you the date of manufacture. The aftermarket choke likely does not help the value but original barrels are available although fairly expensive. Pictures would be a big help.

    edit: Looks like 1948 production based on the serial number. Look at the top of the Ask the Experts forum and you'll see a posting on how to include pictures. They'll help a lot in determining value.
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  • SaginawgtoSaginawgto Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    [img][/img]Sweet163piece.jpg

    [img][/img]Sweet16insoftcase.jpg

    [img][/img]Sweet16leftside.jpg

    Okay, I think this worked. If there are other pics that would help please let me know. Thank you very much!
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  • dcj10dcj10 Member Posts: 46 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    A-5 16 ga. Production
    1948 - X13701 thru X22600
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  • 22hipower22hipower Member Posts: 619 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Nice old Browning. On the plus side the finish looks original and the blue looks good and the stock has not been cut. Many had recoil pads added. You might check the forearm as many have hairline cracks toward the receiver from recoil. The downsides are the safety and the modified barrel as the button behind the trigger safety is preferred to the one in front of the trigger guard. An original barrel without the adjustable choke would be a nice addition; but one with vent rib and improved cylinder choke is going to run about $400. Still a really nice gun and worth at least twice the $300 you paid for it; maybe three times.
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  • CapnMidnightCapnMidnight Member Posts: 8,038 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Even with the old style safety, it would be worth 4 times what you payed if someone had left the barrel alone, a real shame.
    W.D.
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