Browning Auto-5 Grade I 12 Gauge, 26 in Special Steel Barrel, 1953 Belgian FN, Cutts Compensator
This 1953 Browning Auto-5 Grade I is a Belgian-made FN example with factory light scroll engraving and the John M. Browning bust on the left receiver. It features a 26 in Special Steel barrel marked 12-70 and ** (Modified), a Cutts Compensator with a front bead, and classic walnut furniture with a round-knob stock. The polished blue steel receiver, left-side magazine cut-off, and long-recoil system with adjustable friction rings highlight the period-correct configuration of this Grade I Auto-5.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: The original Belgian bluing shows thinning on the receiver and light surface wear consistent with 1953 production. The long-recoil action cycles as designed. The walnut furniture is structurally sound with typical field dings and handling marks, and it is free of major cracks. Belgian Liège proofs, the FN oval crest above the serial, and the Made in Belgium roll mark are present.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 Grade I 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun (1953, Belgian-made)
- 26 in Special Steel barrel with Cutts Compensator installed and Modified choke marking
- Ventilated recoil pad with white-line spacer installed
Belgian FN manufacture and Grade I factory engraving set this Auto-5 apart. The receiver carries light scroll engraving with the John M. Browning bust on the left side, along with correct Belgian Liège proofmarks, the FN oval crest location, and the Made in Belgium roll mark that confirm its origin.
The Auto-5’s long-recoil system with adjustable friction rings is a hallmark of the design, and this example retains the left-side magazine cut-off and cross-bolt safety. Capacity is 4+1 in 12 gauge, true to period configuration.
The 26 in Special Steel barrel is marked 12-70 for 2 3/4 in shells and ** for Modified. A Cutts Compensator is installed, and the front bead is set on the Cutts unit. The barrel profile is plain as noted.
Walnut furniture includes a checkered round-knob pistol grip stock and a finger-groove forend. A ventilated recoil pad with a white-line spacer is installed, yielding a 14.5 in length of pull. The polished blue finish on the steel receiver rounds out the classic Auto-5 look and feel.