Hello everyone,
Like me, l know that some of you love the Browning auto 5 and I thought you may enjoy seeing this nice type 3 that I acquired lately.
What I like about this post WWII type 3, it is the only type of the 6 to represent the engraving technique call "gravure Demi-fond creux" which I think could be call in English half hollow background engraving. Essentially, it consist of deepening the area surrounding the motif in order to give a feeling of 3D. The "Spécial tir aux pigeons" that was marketed especially in Italy is engraved in this manner also. I like as well, the reddish tone given to the walnut that marries well with the grey matte receiver and his gold elements.
The other interesting aspect of this example, is the chrome matte finish of the receiver which, according to the book written by Shirley & Vanderlinden (Browning Auto-5 Shotguns, The Belgian FN Production), page 165, was offered in type 4 and 5 in the S.A.C. (Super Allégé Chrome) series. My example has an alloy trigger guard with a steel receiver which would correspond to the Super lightweight series "S&V page 176. I am surprise that my type 3 as a chrome finish since in both series, the type 3 were normally offered in blued black finish. If it was a S.A.C., it would be stamped on top of the serial number and if it was a Super Allégé (Super lightweight) I believe S.A. would be stamped. On my example, 3 and S are stamped. Would that stand for type 3 Super Allégé. I wonder if it was a special edition or a custom order? May be some of you might know.
Like me, l know that some of you love the Browning auto 5 and I thought you may enjoy seeing this nice type 3 that I acquired lately.
What I like about this post WWII type 3, it is the only type of the 6 to represent the engraving technique call "gravure Demi-fond creux" which I think could be call in English half hollow background engraving. Essentially, it consist of deepening the area surrounding the motif in order to give a feeling of 3D. The "Spécial tir aux pigeons" that was marketed especially in Italy is engraved in this manner also. I like as well, the reddish tone given to the walnut that marries well with the grey matte receiver and his gold elements.
The other interesting aspect of this example, is the chrome matte finish of the receiver which, according to the book written by Shirley & Vanderlinden (Browning Auto-5 Shotguns, The Belgian FN Production), page 165, was offered in type 4 and 5 in the S.A.C. (Super Allégé Chrome) series. My example has an alloy trigger guard with a steel receiver which would correspond to the Super lightweight series "S&V page 176. I am surprise that my type 3 as a chrome finish since in both series, the type 3 were normally offered in blued black finish. If it was a S.A.C., it would be stamped on top of the serial number and if it was a Super Allégé (Super lightweight) I believe S.A. would be stamped. On my example, 3 and S are stamped. Would that stand for type 3 Super Allégé. I wonder if it was a special edition or a custom order? May be some of you might know.
