^Lot 592 Browning Original Auto 5 Custom Shop Light 20 GA B3 Engraved & Signed B.Romainville with Case

Lots 590 through 596 are scarce and mysterious examples of one of the company’s most legendary shotguns, the Auto-5, which John Browning even called his greatest achievement. After A5 production ended in 1998, it is believed that some spare parts were uncovered, leading Browning’s Custom Shop to create a very limited quantity of these A5 models. The only known examples are in 20 Gauge and 12 Gauge, each available in a Light and Magnum variation. To add more mystery, these variations were engraved with B3 and B4 patterns. While exact production numbers remain uncertain and are a topic of discussion among serious collectors, it is rumored that some of the gauge and engraving patterns featured here may have fewer than five known existing examples. If only eight total gauge and engraving patterns were produced, this offering of seven presents the most complete collection to hit the market at one time.

Manufactured in Belgium FN Custom Shop for Browning. Features a 28" blued ventilated rib barrel chambered for 2-3/4" shells with Improved Cylinder choke and nickel bead front sight. Coin finished receiver with Browning Custom Shop engraving. Top of the receiver features floral scroll designs with the left stamped "LIMITED EDITION" and the right stamped "ORIGINAL AUTO 5 / MADE IN BELGIUM". Left side features a woodcock in flight and setter in a field scene with floral scroll design on each side and signed by engraver at the bottom "ROMAINVILLE B.". Right side features a woodcock in flight and setter in a field scene with floral scroll design on each side along with a large FN logo. Crossbolt safety and gold washed trigger. Grade IV walnut round knob, long tang stock with checkered pistol grip and matching skeet style forearm with checkering. Fitted with a factory butt plate. Comes in a nice Emmebi burgundy velvet lined leather Browning Custom Shop take-down case. Includes original Browning box as well. LOP: 14". DAC: 1-1/2". DAH: 2-1/4". CALIBER: 20 GA. S/N: 231CS01471. FFL STATUS: Modern.
CONDITION
Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus original coin and blue finishes, with limited handling marks. Stock shows crisp checkering with very faint handling marks, scuffs in the checkering on the forearm. Excellent bore, possibly unfired. Case and box are in great condition with limited minor handling and storage marks.