What is the age and value of a Browning A5 shotgun with serial B9870?

Answer 1

You have an "American Browning" made from 1940-1949. These guns were made by Remington under contract to Browning during the German Occupation of Belgium when Browning could not import their Belgium guns. They do not say Remington anywhere on the gun, but essentially were made like the Remington Model 11, with the addition of the magazine cutoff. Browning specified that the serial numbers start at 5000 for each guage preceded by a letter to denote guage. A= 16ga / B=12ga / C= 20ga. Your gun 12ga "B9870" was made in 1941. The value of these American A5's is less than their Belgian cousins. Value depends on condition. Typically you need 98% or better original finish to get the gun in the $600 - $900 range; This is for new or near new condition. Most Americans sell between $300 and $450. Poly chokes and pads will keep the price lower no matter pecentage of finish.