Guys, got a friend at work who has this Browning. Its one of the most beautiful guns I've ever seen.
It is almost 100% perfect with the original case and key. One very minor ding on the stock where a guy at the range shot his 45 and the case hit the stock. Again its very minor.
This was my friends mother's gun.
So what is it? What can you tell us about it? Anyone know what a value on something like this would be?
I've owned a few.
Mid to late 60s Grade III .Belgian of course,though they did build Grade III guns in Japan in the 70s.
Case is probably original to the gun and pre69,
In this world, the name of the engraver matters. It should be signed on both sides of the receiver.(ps-I enlarged the photo and I'm not seeing a signature on the right side.)
Sold my new in box 1965 example for about 4200 last year.
The ding hurts collector value,(if truly minor, not so much.After all,these guns are more than 50 years old,so?) as does fired status,if it is indeed fired. Collectors want a box or case with these, however the case alone would bring 400-500
I can tell you that your are correct in calling it a BEAUTIFUL gun.
I have a 1970 model that is just the simple Grade I, but I like it a lot. I'm a "shoot 'em if you got 'em" guy, but if I had one like that Grade III that actually hadn't been fired, it might test my resolve.
Camster - the rifle referenced on GI seems to have only one engraver signature, on the left side, and a different engraving pattern on the trigger guard. Could that and the lack of a signature on the OP's rifle be considered a running change for a grade III ? Thanks !
Camster - the rifle referenced on GI seems to have only one engraver signature, on the left side, and a different engraving pattern on the trigger guard. Could that and the lack of a signature on the OP's rifle be considered a running change for a grade III ? Thanks !
Both rifles are fairly close in vintage.
I think that the difference in the tg engraving is just the engraver adding a little of his own individuality to it.
It was up to the engraver if they signed their work and how many times.
Early guns were often unsigned and later guns double signed,so it's not related to age.
Collectors prefer a double signed gun,as it confirms that one engraver did the whole gun. (However, I have no reason to think that multiple engravers did the Grade III .22s, but with some other high grades, more than one had a hand in the job.)
That is a beautiful example of a classic. If you want to find out who engraved it, Homer Tyler's
book "Browning .22 Caliber Rifles 1914-1984" gives a few examples from different engravers that did not sign their work. It is not a complete list, but you may find it helpful. Additionally, it is a bonus that you have the case. The "Hartman" style (White Insert in handle) from approx. 1960 - 1964 were 9" x 23 3/4 .. Post 1964 cases measured 9 1/2 x 27 1/2 and provided room for the scope. I do not know when They stopped using the white insert "Hartman" cases.
I have a copy of Homer Tyler's book and as a former avid Browning .22 collector I found it extremely helpful.
I had a large white insert case that was purchased new in 1969. Who knows how long my dealer had it in stock.
The next style, with the faux stitch plastic handle, probably came out in 1969 or 1970, as I had a 1970 GII that someone added that case to, when new.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Rimfire Central Firearm Forum
6.4M posts
194K members
Since 2002
A family friendly forum community dedicated to rimfire firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion of all manner of rimfire pistols, rifles, optics, ammo, gunsmithing, customization, reviews, hunting, accessories, classifieds, and more!