[Aussieandy]

Hello would any of you or would you be able to direct me to someone who would know their stuff on Brownings and could answer a few questions?

I have the oppertunity to purchase an engraved Browning FN 1910. It is a late serial number (676023). So I am guessing late 1960's to 1970's. The gun comes with no box. Only one magazine. No paperwork to support its status.

The dealer tells me he has tried to research the gun by contacting FN however has been unsuccessful.

To me the guns engraving which bares no engravers signiture that the dealer can find, doesn't seem to match factory engraving styles.

Would I be correct in assuming this gun may have been someones project and although the gun seems quite nice is not factory original?

The Dealer wants $2000 AUD for this gun. However nice blued examples sell for about $600 - $800 here. I guess even though I am having trouble finding any proof to say this is what it presents itself to be it would be worth another $400 more for the nice work on the gun?

Here are some pictures tell me what you think.

 

[halfmoonclip]

It appears to be hardchrome in the pics. If it looks as good in person as it does in the pics, it is one handsome gun. Pilk et al will chime in as engraving experts, but if I had the money, I'd be tempted.
Moon

 

[Andyd_is_PzGren]

From looking at the pattern and the execution ( backstrap where the lines do not meet precisiely ) I would say it is non-factory. Value and beauty are always in the eye of the beholder and taste is something that you cannot argue about.

 

[Aussieandy]

Yes I agree. Looking through old catalogues it seems FN never offered that style of engraving. I passed on this item because I am after a factory engraved example.