Lot 3431

Iconic Serial Number "6" Belgian Browning 16 Ga. Auto-5 Shotgun

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Iconic Serial Number "6" Belgian Browning 16 Ga. Auto-5 Shotgun

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,500

Starting Bid: $1,800

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Iconic Serial Number "6" Belgian Browning 16 Gauge Auto-5 Semi-Automatic Shotgun The brainchild of famed American arms designer John Moses Browning, the Auto-5 stands out as one of the most iconic shotguns of the 20th century with a production run spanning almost 100 years and 3,000,000 guns. The first 12 gauge Auto-5 left the factory on September 17th, 1903, with the first 16 gauge shipping in August, 1909. This gun was reportedly shipped on October 6th, 1909, directly to John Browning, likely for Browning family members and friends. The Auto-5 would go on to be one of, if not, the most popular semi-automatic shotgun of all time and an icon of the 20th century. The gun was built with an "ACIER-SPECIAL." steel barrel featuring a single bead sight, Belgian proof marks, "FABRIQUE-NATIONALE-HERSTAL-LIEGE, BELGIUM" marked on the top, choke measured full, and a chamber marked 2 3/4 inches. The blued action shows the Belgian proof marks on the right (and on the bolt) as well as "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE/BROWNING PATENT DEPOSE" marked on the left side. The serial number "6" is marked on the bottom of the action in addition to some of the action screws. The gun is fitted with a lightly figured and multi-point checkered fluted forend and straight grip stock with a hard rubber FN buttplate. Includes a leather sling.

Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale

Model: Auto 5

BBL: 25 1/2 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 16

Finish: blue

Serial Number6

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Good, retaining 50% of the original blue finish with the balance an attractive mix of brown and grey patina, some oxidation, and some wear on the working parts. The wood is also good has an added coat of varnish, a trio of cracks on the underside of the forend, some dings and chips, and smoothed but visible checkering. Mechanically functions. This gun shows all the character of a hard-used but well-loved shotgun that served its owner well, not knowing that it would one day be an legend!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000