Early M11 stock stamp

[TrenchCrazy]

Do you guys see many of the early stamp, minus the "FJA"?
Are they rare or not?

Information

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[Tom Doniphon]

I wouldn't call them rare. The FJA mark starts showing up in late 1942, maybe around s/n 475,000.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Tom,

I have one marked like that and the serial number is 400,892. I bought it several years ago because it was in very good condition with everything original and matching, but it has the longer barrel. I understand these were training guns or something and aren't really collectible but it's an interesting shotgun to me anyway.

[Tom Doniphon]

Hello, Cafdfw.

Is your gun's serial number 400892 or 700892?

I think 400892 would be too early for a WW2 Military Model 11, particularly one with a "Military Finish."

If it is 700892, I would expect the stock to also be marked with a FJA cartouche, and the late guns usually have plane wood (no checkering). Have you pulled the stock to see if it is serial numbered to the gun?

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Hi Tom,

My Error, it is 700,892. (Sorry)
Yes, the stock serial number matches the other serial numbers. A couple of years ago I emailed Bruce Canfield and he was nice enough to tell me where to look for all the serial numbers and I sent him photos. He said it's all original and good condition so I should hang onto it because who knows these might become more popular in time. There's definitely no sign of FJA stamped on the stock. I think this gun sat in a rack someplace most of it's life as there's very little wear on anything. I've never shot it myself.

[TrenchCrazy]

[TrenchCrazy]

Cafdfw, Whats the barrel date on yours?

[Harlan (Deceased)]

VERY nice TrenchCrazy - I love it!

I own Bruce Canfield's 'Shotgun' book, but I don't have it with me*.
I seem to remember looking up the barrel date using this code but don't remember what date it was. Maybe you can tell me what date this is if you have a reference handy.

*Long story, but I just got divorced and I'm in the process of moving all my things back into my house again. (The court awarded me the house and all the possessions in the house)

~ Harlan

[TrenchCrazy]

Yours is october 1943, mine is october 1942