December 15, Bootlegged guns 1927. Mre Val Ae Browning, 5 Rue de Chaudfontaine, Liege, Dear Be lgium. Mr. | Browning : Subject: A barrel was recently sent to us from New Orleans We promptly noted that it was not a standard barrel for repairs. We wrote fhe owner requesting and it did not bear any serial numbey.e that he send the action in order that we might see that the barrel fit properly; however, for the purpose of actually getting the serial number of the guns The serial numberof this gun is 46232. The owner was rather reluctant about sending us the gun, We are rather of the opinion that and we had to telegraph for it twice. bootlegged gun, tho! of course he or some of his friends might it is a have purchased our standard and brought it over there it over personally. The rib on this barrel was noticeably different It was wider, rib. not so hight,and a gradual from slope, something like the Remington rib, and was not cut out so it would slip into the receiver leaving the balance of the rib of the same héight as the top ofthe You are no doubt familiar receiver when the barrel was in recoil position. in hearing from you as to with this type of rib, end we shall be interested how this gun got into this country. at this time We are also investigating some our rate sales in New Orleans , and hope to have some more serial numbers to refer to you shortly. These write promptly you JER * LMG sales as are particularly soon as on the high more definite Yours very grade information truly, guns, is and we obtained. shall