Belgium Browning takedown

Question
I have 3 BB takedown, 2 22LR wheel, and 1 22Short not wheel. Do these have better value than the Miroku?

As a side question, do you know when "SWEET SIXTEEN" first appeared on the  Browning Light 16.  The  best I can figure out is 1953 when Browning changed Serialization to show R for standard 16 and S for light or Sweet Sixteen but I am not sure.

Thanks for any help

Farmer Monty

Answer
Typically, the Belgium Takedowns do have better value than the Japanese rifles. Not to take anything away from those collectors who enjoy the Japanese rifles, they to are very nice. Condition and originality mean everything to collectors. New in the box and all original guns command the premium prices naturally. From a collectors standpoint, I prefer NIB purchases.

As far as the Sweet Sixteens. They were introduced in 1937 and the standard and sweet sixteens could not be separated by serial number alone. From 1937 to 1948 the Sweet Sixteens did not have the words Sweet Sixteen engraved on the receiver. After 1948 is when FN began to engrave the words on the receivers. It was not until 1953 that the "S" was added into the letter code allowing you to know what model 16 gauge you had with out seeing the shotgun. Hope this helps.