This should narrow it down. From Page One:



And, welcome to the site!

*bump*

G’day!

Looking to date a 16 Gauge FN Browning Auto 5 that I am cleaning up for a friend. Took me 6 hours to gently clean. Was covered in dirt, grime and speckle rust. Used Big 45 Frontier Cleaning pads, G96 and lots of elbow grease. This will make a fine light duck and pheasant gun methinks. Almost want to see if he will sell it! Lol

It’s a “Y” date serial prefix I believe and perhaps it’s a 1956 production model going by the barrel data? I could be totally incorrect too.

Serial: Y2218 (the Y has a small line under it)

Same serial # on the barrel.

Also has B26242 on the barrel under the forend wood near the receiver as well as H213 on the bottom of the barrel right near the receiver.

Above the wood line has the standard:

Acier Special - C.16 - Cart. 2 3/4 - 63.5mm

And then more Belgian proof marks, gauge and chamber marks and what I believe to be the “date code” of the Greek mark “xi”... I think... it’s right after the 1kg035 and it’s sideways.

The story is my friend purchased it from a gentleman who brought it back from Europe while being stationed there during the Cold War? Probably purchased direct from the factory or a local gun shop? I’ll probably have to ask him the story again.

This shotgun is in Alberta, Canada.

Sorry, this is out of my wheelhouse as I am much more versed in all types of vintage Military surplus firearms as well as Czech and Swedish sporting rifles.

I have photos for those interested.

Thanks for everyone’s time. Cheers!

- Darryl

Here are the photos of the Shotgun.

I can get more if needed. It has no scroll work on the right side of the receiver, it’s pretty plain Jane. But nifty.