Browning / FN a5 date and value

Question
I have a Browning auto 5 with s/n 20611. Can you please assist with manufacture date and approx value? This gun, in working condition, has been in my family for 3 generations.



Chamber is marked:



揊ABRIQUE-NATIONALE-HERSTAL-LIEGE, BELGUIM - BROWNING扴 PATENTS

                    Oct 9.1900-Dec 17.1901-Sept 30. 1902- June 16.1903?





Barrel is marked on top:



 揊ABRIQUE-NATIONALE-HERSTAL-LIEGE, BELGUIM?br>




Barrel is marked on SIDE:



 揅OCKERILL STEEL?with an additional 4 symbols.



I would appreciate confirmation of the manufacture date and any assistance you can give as regards approximate value.  

Answer
Jimmy,

You have a very early early Belgium version A5 no doubt. It appears to me that the gun in question is one of the first 10,000 shipped to the U.S. between  1903 and 1909 of which very few serial numbers records remain.

According to Browning, these guns began with serial number "1" and ran to approximately 228,000. The year of manufacture on pre-WW-2 production guns is "strictly a guess".

It is difficult to give you a retail value without benefit of personal inspection however....... A plain barrel version in "good" condition lists a current retail value of $300 to $400  with a matt rib $400 to $500, vent rib $500 to $700.

I know that does not give you "confirmation" of the manufacture date however is does serve to clarify and narrow it down based upon available Browning records.

I certainly hope that it gives you more than you had and aids you in your quest for information. Keep in mind that you could also try obtaining additional information directly from Browning also, they may be able to narrow it down even more (?).

Thanks for the question Jimmy.
Sid Lark