1920's FN marked SA22 Top Loader Questions/Value?

[sailor723]

A friend has one of these that dates to the 1920's. I can find lots of info on the Browning marked guns that were imported to North America starting in the '50's but little on the pre War FN ones other than FN production started in 1914 (or 1908 depending on who you read). Although he tells me it has been cleaned and oiled over the years the owner doesn't think it's been fired in 40-50 years. Apparently his grandfather brought it over with him from England pre war.

Any info on the gun or ideas on market value would be appreciated.

 

[Dave in Calgary]

One recent on-line auction had one that went for $425 plus auction premium. Had a scope on it.

 

[toyboy]

is there a serial number on it?there should be one under the barrel and on the bolt(partial #) and on the receiver when you take the barrel off.the blueing looks very nice but the stock looks like it needs refinishng.don't remove the forearm unless you are ready to take care of not losing the barrel adjustment lock spring and bearing.
if you lose the bearing i have a few spares.

 

[rkm456]

You can also load it through the butt rather than the top. I had one for a little while, really fun guns if you like .22's. There are a few versions of it in 22 short floating around.

 

[sailor723]

is there a serial number on it?there should be one under the barrel and on the bolt(partial #) and on the receiver when you take the barrel off.the blueing looks very nice but the stock looks like it needs refinishng.don't remove the forearm unless you are ready to take care of not losing the barrel adjustment lock spring and bearing.
if you lose the bearing i have a few spares.

This

 

[toyboy]

i've got a 140### s/n so yours is about 7000 earlier than mine.best guess for year is mid '40's but who knows.
no s/n dates for 1914-1955 so it's anyone's guess.

 

[sailor723]

i've got a 140### s/n so yours is about 7000 earlier than mine.best guess for year is mid '40's but who knows.
no s/n dates for 1914-1955 so it's anyone's guess.

My friend thinks it's 1920's going by family history. His grandfather supposedly brought it with him from the UK when he immigrated....but as you say it's impossible to tell for sure.

 

[toyboy]

the one i have may have been brought over from france or belgium so anything's possible.i believe the '20's (very early ones) models
have a rear sight that has an adjustment wheel on the left side.

i just can't see a rifle in the 133### and 140### range being from the 20's.40's yes but not 20's.

but who knows...

 

[toyboy]

p.s. when installing the barrel or removing same, grip the gun by the receiver AND NOT BY THE STOCK.
if you see an sa22 with a cracked or chipped stock near the left side of the receiver that is what they did to gain more leverage.