Help identifying old shotgun

[dariks]

 

The barrel is stamped:

Browning Patent

12 Ga Proof Tested

 

On the receiver end of the barrel it is stamped:

W W P T

25996

T

 

The receiver is stamped:

RIVER xxxxxx <--can't read that part

CHICOPEE FALLS MASS U.S.A

 

 

[Garufa]

I believe it is a Stevens 520 manufactured under their "Riverside Arms Co" brand.

 

Edited May 26, 2013 by Garufa

[mikegideon]

Yep. 520. I have one. That one is in real good shape.

Edited May 26, 2013 by mikegideon

[dariks]

Thanks guys!  It doesn't look like i can tell the exact year it was made, just the range 1912-1932.

[zgunbear]

It has been refinished the polish job is pretty good but it took the markings down quite a ways

[leroy]

I like it!!  Thanks for posting the pictures.   It's always good to see the old "Browning Patent" shotguns.  I think it's great that three of the greatest shotgun designs ever lived happily together to give every hunter and lawman the greatest selection of shotgun designs ever offered (...i think...); and they all came from the mind of the same genius, John Moses Browning.  The Model 97, the A5 (..your shotgun...), and the model 12.

 

Thanks again and enjoy.

leroy

[gregintenn]

You'll find that Riverside Arms predated the Stevens brand I believe. Same gun; different name.

[mikegideon]

The patent for the 520 was granted in 1905. I don't recall when it hit the market. It may have been Stevens by then. I would have to dig thru my stuff to refresh my memory.