Mossberg Brownie

[knzn]

What can anyone tell me about a little four shot .22 Mossberg Brownie? I have one that belonged to my Grandpa. I don't recall having ever seen one at a gun show, gun shop, or any discussion of one on a gun board.

Thanks in advance

 

[Ron James]

A very nice little gun, .22 caliber, 4 shot, manufactured form 1906 untill 1933. First made as the " Novelty " by the Shattuck Company using Mossber's patent. When Shattuck went belly up in 1920 Mossberg made some small design changes and marketed the gun under Brownie. Appox. 37,000 were made. If the gun is in good condition I would not be afraid to shoot it . .22 short,.22 Long and .22 Long Rifle. I would not use H/V shells in it. Value, of course you would never sell it because it is a priceless heirloom from your grandfather, however it is listed at 450 in exc, 325 in V.G., 300 in Good, 225 in fair and 150 in poor. Hope that helps. As a side note, the first Brownie I ever laid eyes on had been been given as a gift to a friend of mine by his son. My friend was proud as punch because he had just gotten it back from the gunsmith after having it polished and reblued. It really was all I could do to keep from laughing ( or crying). All I could say was " yep,looks good".

 

[45Broomhandle]

MORE ON THE BROWNIE

Here is some additional info on this fascinating little pistol. It's considered as the foundation of the Mossberg Company. The product that brought much-needed income to build the firm.

There are three known Variations.
Variation number 1 bears the legend on the right side of the barrels PAT. APPL'D. FOR.
Variation number 2 reads PAT. JAN. 27, 1920.
Variation number 3 reads PAT. JULY 27, 1920.

There are fewer of the Variation number 2 reported in circulation. This was an incorrect patent date and any Brownie bearing this inscription should demand a higher price - depending on condition of course.

Variation number 3 appears to be the more common specimen encountered and is the latest manufactured. There is a wealth of information available on the Web regarding these guns. There are two Mossberg sites devoted to collectors, and numerous gun talk forums which have had MANY discussions on these guns.

Once on a gun forum website, just enter the word Mossberg Brownie in the search engine and it will bring up all previous postings regarding the gun. Try it right now, here on TheHighRoad.org. See the "Search" link in the green band above? Click on it and enter Mossberg Brownies. Watch what happens.

Great little gun you've got there. I am compiling a database of surviving Brownies and would appreciate knowing the serial number of your gun, and what the stamping reads on the right side of the barrels.

Below is a photo showing the various places one might find a serial number stamping - not necessarily in EVERY location, but these are the known places they were numbered. Also, does your gun still have the extractor rod stuck in the little storage well on top left side of the Barrel Release Lever on top?

If I can offer you any more info, please let me know. 45Broomhandle

 

[knzn]

Thanks for the replys guys. Great info and tips on further reading.

45Broomhandle:
I am heading off to work soon, but will catch up to you about the info for your research.

 

[oweno]

I've got a copy of a 1929 Johnson Smith catalog - a wonderful look back at stuff you could buy back then.

It's aimed at kids but has lots of firearms ... including the Brownie

Here's a bit of their writeup:

/////

New 'Brownie' Automatic Pistol

.22 caliber, Four Shots

Absolutely Safe and Reliable

The Smallest and Handiest Autotmatic Pistol Made

...a rapid loader, close shooter, hard hitter .. (it goes on like this for a full page)

Price, by express only, $5.75
.22 cal cartridges per hundred $1.00
Blank cartridges, per hundred $.50
Holster, closed top with flap, $1.50

...

and, on the bottom of the same page - The Fountain Pen Pistol for 6 bucks

 

[45Broomhandle]

HERE'S HOW MOSSBERG ADVERTISED THEM...

Here's a photo of a vintage Brownie ad I recently obtained. Aimed at the Trapper trade. 45Broomhandle