December 6, 1976 Mr. Chester F. Vanek 5154 No. Chicago, Lotus Illinois Dear Vanek: Mr. 60630 I have been retired from active participation in the affairs of the Browning Company for over fifteen years, but I have been informed that you sent, addressed to me, a letter dated November 5th together with some material concerning an invention which you say you have made. I was away at the time and since then have never seen the material which you sent and which our records show was received by the Mailing Department since it was sent registered mail. An investigation has been made and we have been totally unable to locate the material. I am very you use your much chagrined at this fact, but can assure that nobody in the Browning organization any such material in any way prejudicial interests. Sincerely Val A. yours, Browning would to 5154 N. Lotus Chicago, Illinois 3 December, 1976 Mrse Devorah H. Secretary to Dear Baker: Browning Arms lorgan, Utah Mrs. Val Baker A. Co. 84050 Browning Thank you for your immediate attention to the affair Nov. 5 letter to your firm. Naturally, I was shocked to learn that you could find no trace of that letter. This raises the most worrisome apprehensions that I, as an independant inventor,could bring of my to mind. Immediately upon recieving your letter, I took the registry material pertinent to my first letter to postal officials in Chicago. In addition to procedures they instituted, they suggested that I also write you giving you copies of the registry material. From the copies I've enclosed, I hope you may identify the official of your company that signed for my letter, and so track down the letter. Despite my apprehensions I‘m sure this affair has some simple explination. My basic reason for trying to interest your company in my invention is a fundemental respect for John M. Browning; this will not change. Sincerely yours, 00 bp70m Gace Chester F. Vanek - PS Form 3811, Jan. 1975 @ SEND it ems I, Ad l your a ddress Co mplete o Ri: % =» } and in 3 the 3. TO"”’ ““RETURN on space reverse. 1. The following service is requested (check one). gS Show to whom and date delivered..........-. 15¢ date, & address of delivery.. 35¢ [_] to whom, Show [1 4 RESTRICTED a to \ h Show m DELIVERY. and 4A date delivered....-....-. _. 65¢ DELIVERY. O-O NIWA RESTRIC TED + Est -66S— A | | YB, a) ‘ TA, RETURN RECEIPT, £7GIS 3 =e ARTICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTIF IED NO. RED , fe » \ Ai , { EY Beapey (ree 4 = gz “Ht ore f C 5 Y 4 es f£ 2 ¥S a gam NO. } f id ¢ iy G3 INSURED NO. Py / « | tainé ™ shee ° e Sy GPO; 1875 —<PBER-O47 +, Re Vy At : GA wd Mp ¥ ee + fe a Bet RRL Sie rie a CAUSE e6eisog re eBseuy are = orm Buijpuey em a . Se,a 6. UNABLE TO DELIVER $ $ rf eaeS be Pr BeOO 4 Pe . Sy LE }4 Ae sik. ino) [f- 5-76 -see ERY Sau. a s OATE OF DELI FayOG OaA f| he gti, oh, f sienna 9461 : vl GL JEW ‘908E W404 SJ kee S3IMLN NOD * Ss 5 | 2 soo I LAA i/Vi r) ol t.F oa cS; CD a3 if ee £2 @ | vA, 7 srerpis CALE ee | ad -WIVTD FT 4055 . ~“ Or Coy ww E a b a Bf 9 iW | t Bujysod } you Aew at toh p tf NO x2 AC ~} a - “a m = ©) (D & © SIHL3ZAVS UNITED STATE .s Cas n TY FO R PRIVA TE 2a it #AW . Pt D PAY Ni ENT . ¥ Ss ISTAGE, $3 af) 0 b Ww Se =7= Ce Se niyo eal eee wetaens 2 en ean Sot Neg lie T Pas a 42 a Pe OT El al Se 2, we CR Zn ai ee GRUB OWE TE Nsttrg ce, yy 7 TIS rf ate o ay 2 RT Fett mer onl a eNOES Rat teemcnamciss eS MEALS inn Aetna + tt a ohe seerry roby, 4 not ‘ay Sra MS: to ites ny sane Jf~ Tay | EI tA _a eT oree chante oee™ i“ € o ad hy, a» ene VD / . teh d vy ha. = Ee ey a or rs | Print your n a ¢ Compile RR Di Ak Ya Oi TN PEN TO AR PE s\ # he eS 5 SBS aa December Mr. Chester Mr. 1976 Vanek 5154 North Lotus Chicago, Illinois Dear 1, 60630 Vanek: I regret to inform you that your letter addressed to Mr. Browning, in which you enclosed photographs and I have checked drawings, has not been received by us. with our president, to whom I deliver letters addressed to Mr. Browning which require immediate attention when away. Then i checked I sincerely letter. hope you meet he is They have Development Department. time searching their records to no with Research our with spent considerable avail. success Yours (Mrs.) and very in your truly, Devorah Secretary tracing H. to Val Baker A. Browning December esx , @@ 2 omy time ; oY Ver “am nave —_ e 4 ge op, ey atie,: é., ha ~ 2% i “HS @ny $2 2 of a ed ene: bh aM, 4 our a Mi, gies @nG 1 eh, <= iY - Dumke to Ege. oe other me P & the ~ we if ‘, 4 or ge Garced c oe $% A rid 9 Be s m aad — epeiations, j ? F {£oence Newport *y 2 Rey 2” De Sle > t6 > i ®2th; therein. » devote WALIMIUL * es LE ye aie Mobjack > ang . % Pnown fe % b: te & t a ae eh sette r iaterest 4 and Bat. ~ ro . your ~~ ££ gta i BP your es Lot day Pyle: Be: Bear me 36761 es ae For ex ‘L:. Pe iaAsS on i, & Hawaii Mi. 1946 Meui “ Hongkowai, a oo? Py oe RE 6 oe oi LESS & ett yo . » OS, | oe fx Poe 21, bosgt s Ler (@Sponeivie sr Gi * fFuli Sice only co Our Board of Divectore ox ite designated “Cp. @3e1 du. alive. We sre thus Giving him the unfe ttered — Oppo tunity to show what he can Uiid, amd if he .» 2 ‘VSPORSLGCLILC ¥ Wwe Heave Val A. B: Own Bou Lag wees Chaiof theaBoa cm nrd VAS: DEB cz: J.¥.Browning e ‘ ec: ag &£. ‘5 W. i Dumke isPe 46 ® December 15, 1966 Mr. Val A. Browning Chairman of the Board BROWNING ARMS COMPANY Morgan Utah Dear Mr. Brovming, The lack of profitability at Newport Boats since I sold the company to Browning two years ago has been a matter of concern to me. I have nothing direct to gain by writing this letter except as a Browning stockholder hoping that some of my views might somehow help make the sailboat manufacturing operations of Browning profitable and healthy and @ continuing entity. in my first discussions with Browning, I stated that I saw a terrific potential for growth within the sailboat business, but that my major area of interest lay in the direction of designing sailboats for the expanding market. J felt that I could not both design sailboats and responding to and taking advantage boat market is indeed mushrooming. of manage such a manufacturing a mushrooming operation opportunity. that The was sail- ity technique of business management was and is more or less instinctual, and in order to properly administer a larger manufacturing concern I would require a good deal of self education in that direction. I was told that Browning, on the other hand,was knowledgeable and adept in business and manufacturing management, and thet their major concern was in having enough volume on which to operate. Our agreements reflect this attitude of Browning. From what I have seen during the last two years of watching and working closely with id Dumke, he has the abilities and skill to give just what has been needed all along in the Newport Boats onveration. Bearing in mind the prejudiced light in which a previous manager views the changes made by his successor, the changes Dumke has instituted have been improvements over previous methods in my estimation. He has not, however, had much opportunity to use his talents to the benefit of the sailboat overation. Too much of Dumke's time seems to me to be taken up with Silaflex problems that are, in effect, too often last minute disruptions in carefully worked out production schedules. On some occasions I was aware of department. Without what come knowing full to give his operation vay off. quired these changes or of these changes all profit picture details attention as much as it to specials were seemed almost often areas occured same this that to that were whimsical me probably attention that would devoted ordered by the sales or capricious to me, fact in not Dumke improve to making was the re- over- the boat I think that it can be a profitable strong operation, and Dumke can do it if given a chance. J] lt that you might be interested in the views of someone who was for some time close to the Newport Boats operation. aeZ \ ery Truly Carter ce: = 8d Pyle Dumke ; Honokowai, Hawaii Maui 96761 March 4, 1966 Mr. Iiwin Bevacqua 2452 E. 78th Street Chicago 49, Illinois Dear Sir: Your letter at St. Louis of February has been 14th addressed forwarded to me to me here. If you have an idea for a novel, workable, useful firearm or improvement thereon, make a detailed drawing and description of it as though you were making a patent application; date and Sign before a notary puslic, have photocopy and submit copy to a reputable person or firm in the firearms ousiness. Gun makers are always looking for good, new ideas. If it is any good and novel -- that is, generally you can get money for chance chat you might that countless sright thought of yet. VAB:DHB speaking, patentable, it. There is a very remote think of something valuable and trained minds have not Yours very Val Browning A. Chairman of truly, the Board g Lag ae i HW ce Orange $9, lve BA. WE. aes Ae aor e. rial lilt. ga mee omg got: a met Lk Nga faliivaygy perriit vale wh cot’ aevealing Gt a Vrtably = /4¢, 1/966 he off a Ez LIGA 2452 eG ry of test taal Pe a7 coe ote etELA , fone CELLED 2 (6 on Lome aot Ae bare Mae eo ) peoclecciag~ , Led A af atl mn chott Vf at ali gotnilé 2 weld cei es | lSpor pot lthon atthe | libeay (yeotePears lg pike Ct tae Vi MR: ee. 2 ie, eal gf feos onl lavage Rosie : el cylid) on @ He Oedegn ta pe Se EL Lz dt ~ te pe ge i [re Caate Ht and alle 2 MGS ac ia e da sae jo be soa Aer eee ots goed) «idl tat Ciel Het & ane Cuew iate Ajffi ars tyflice , AS ts tovetopprrg vad 20" of Pie ae ee ist tl bitty hale Mle I. the vm sass - P poe ene you Have wome seve te Bw Cnet 049 Mp ohaboosn .gee A : Browning Superposed Mr. Roland G. Mr. Val Browning Your Memo October A. 11, of Guarantee Form - Paul A. Cailleaux Paquin 10-8-65 1965 To my certain knowledge, Mr. L. Brancquaert was never associated with Browning. It is barely possible that he might have had some connection with the FN in its early days, although we celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of FN last year and Mr. Cailleaux states his gun to be possibly over a century old. With very best personal regards, Sincerely, Val A. Browning CANM@BIAN OFFICE & x Subject Browning To Mr. From Roland G. Paquin October 8, 1965 Superposed Val A. Guarantee Form - Paul A. Cailleaux - Browning Reference Date Iam enclosing received at this original office. of a Browning The shooter, Superposed Mr. Faul Guarantee A. Cailleaux, form, is requesting information which I believe you might be able to give us. To our knowledge, there is no reference to Mr. Brancquaert in our ‘John M. Browning, American Gunmaker" book, and we would appreciate it if you could assist us in this matter. Thank you and kindest personal regards. oer RGP/gd Enclosure Roland G. Paquin May 17, 1965 Mre. Oka Stewart Camp Wildwood Topanga, California Dear Mrs. Stewart: I am sorry that a strike at the factory was the cause of delay in getting the information which you requested in your letter of April 20th. I am sending you copy of a letter on the subject and a notice in the FN REVUE of April, 1961, which indicate that your motorcycle left the factory between 1906 and 1908 and that the motor (without clutch) has 410 cubic centimeters cyliader capacity, with a bore of 48mm and a stroke of 5/mm. The FN REVUE indicates that ea similar model was in possession California you desire, of Mr. Tony Libouton of Hoping that this you in 1960. I am gives Santa the Monica, information Yours very Val Browning A. Chairman of truly, the Board BROWNING Boite INDUSTRIES Postale Mr. Val Allen 1515, Beverly Ogden, Utah, INCORPORATED 22, HERSTAL-lez-LIEGE, Belgium Browning, Drive, U.S.A. Ce I2 Mai, 1965. Re: Cher Monsieur F.N. Browning: En réponse 4 votre memo renseignements demandés. J'ai seulement fait de Motorcycle. me le nécessaire parvenir du 28 Avril de suite, suite 4 la dernier, mais récente voici les la réponse vient gréve F.N.~ Toujours & votre disposition, veuillez recevoir, cher Monsieur Browning, l'assurance de toute ma considératione Bien a vous, Ze C.D. Zee FN Motorcycle Charles Delvaux Val Browning A. April 23, 1965 Attached hereto is photograph of an FN motorcycle which is in this country and still running well. The owner states that behind the headlight there is the number 16,437 and a silver plate ''Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre." He would like to know the age of the motorcycle -- that is, its date of manufacture and any other information which you could obtain pertinent to it. You will know where at the factory to obtain this information for me as soon as possible. Please return the photograph. Regards, VAB : DHB Enclosure l Tous renseignements gee vous pourriez me comminkquer & sujet seraient les bienvenus. Je vous demanderai sussi de vouloir me renvoyerla photo ci-jointe que je dois reef . : «te fi: eer? & ~ ee Va tourner aux Etats-Unis ah A vous tations lire, je distinguées. Ge @ vous prie d'agréer, Messieurs, C. Delvaux, Chef de mes Service. salu- April 23, 1965 Mrs. Oka Stewart Camp Wildwood Topanga, California Dear Mrs. Stewart: I will be pleased to request the information you desire and send it to you within a short time. My own memory does not serve me as to the dates involved, although I knew the designer of the motor-bike shown in the photograph quite well. Yours very Val Browning A. Chairman of truly, the Board May 5, 1965 Val A. inscriptions RR s 2939 Salt April Kdgeerock Lake City, zo, 1905 re Utah Mr. Val Browning Browning Gun Co, Ogden, Utah Dear Sir; I have a Browning Automatic Rifle that has been in my family for manv many years. [he story back of this gun is it that was and eitner would was. oy very first Father or the to presented like your to check a 2un this in made of relative Grandfather. and also mine ask Ogden We if this is so would you be interested in AE UE this gun? It is in excellent condition and we feel someone should have it that it would mean something too. Also we need to sell it as we have had a lot of iliness. If you arent interested could you tell me what a gun like this should be worth? I also have one of the first automatic 22's made in Ogden. We would be glad for you to hese guns at May anytime. we hear from you soon, ers hs. Hansen BROWNING ROUTE -NO:4 MORGAN, UTAH S4050 VAL HONORARY A.BROWNING CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Col George M. Chinn Li? South Main Street Harrodsburg, Kentucky Dear It Colonel was a April 7th. yesterday you. 40330 Chinn: pleasure i and for me to hed lunch with he asked me to receive my son. convey your Enclosed is a glossy print of my. father , have a smaller one at the Present: tame. no photo of Lhe Caliber letter John Val. his regards iE dO There I shall look forward to buyine @ copy and, thoughtfully reading it when it greetings and hest wishes to Val A, of. vour appears. you, Sincerely, VAB/eaf to AOt is myself in my World War I uniform Timings <50 since. of course, there was no Caliber .50 at the time I wore that uniform, and for some reason it does not seem to fit anymore, So. i Cannot comply with your redquest., my regret. cordial of Browhing to new: hook My Pe PID np tn otra Tae mis \Scene e tou PM Sot Fn ROUTE NO. MORGAN, UTAH VAL HONORARY CG | halts Mae staSe Regt seb 5 tig > | eS 85 tae NaenS OS SRO On LO Maa aS MOS sine etegti OS OS Sine bo i aeSe eee ate oe ; oo Oo eee a ee ta esI= oe ae Bante Si ayn ere omer 2 OLIIGT VOI oa S4050 A.BROWNING CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Mr. Mathew Hastman Deo. “BOX 406 Fitseerald; Dear Mr. Georvia. SL150 Fastman: Your better :Of May 2851086 ise duly acknowledged, and Il desire to Unank you for sending me the autographed copies of your two books. inthe second parasrabh of pare 8 of the first book you speak tavorably of what you cailed the “double single’ trigger (1 call them ‘twin sdiere. triggers). Aiter’ the Geath of my favhner.( 1926). 1 designed and patented the single tfigecer system that, eliminated the possibility trigger of systems. up doubling until (defect .that. of time). i all single SHOUCHE and Stille think Like you, that the “sang¢le. trigger: idéa was quite a practical arrangement. but it was not I readily eliminated accepted one selector. I have no objection my 1942 publication From LOSlY Best wishes Stated im in. your by trigger to of accordance for leitver. the and American added a shotgunners separate your project of re-printing "A History of Browning Guns with the: conditions success, Sincerely, Valo VAB/eaf A Browning you so | een RO x j (s he Ne) % Ly Py) \7 Ay g ? ANG INT J i ROUTE NO. MORGAN, UTAH VAL 1 | 1 ; i WUE : ) 84050 A. BROWNING HONORARY CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD June 2, 1986 Colonel George M. Chinn 119 South Main Street Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330 Dear Colonel Thanks that for I was Chinn: your letter confused by of the May 9, 1986. apparent error 4n your Tecter of April -7th. c6értainiv states Browsing Cai.S0.° copy made of the photograph taken machine Fitle,. waien proto i -think Ordinance Department. I will send separate in-¢ace Again cover he with still when cordial the mieht greetings use me gets it. best Sincerely, Val VAB/eaf “STAY OGRA PLIES REDIET FO WP IEE AREA Le COTA a HIG a? EAM Ah + Ba _ St ps \ea Pe). A... sorry shodting was taken it to you for and am to: me which [ am Having of photographer have I stenographic Browning it wishes a a by the under to me to you, Morgan County School District Dr. JOSEPH K. BALL SUPERINTENDENT 240 EAst YOUNG STREET MORGAN, UTAH 84050 PHONE Dr. JAY M. JEFFERY ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FRANCIS L. TILBY 829-3411 CLERK June 10, 1986 Val A. Browning Browning Arms Co. 6175 Cottonwood Morgan, Utah Canyon 84.050 Road Dear Mr. Browning: they will The Utah State Legislature for the Morgan School the and These funds are to be obtained through a "Foundation" which District has established as the Morgan Education Foundation, is independent from the school. district. $3084 grant match community has District. The $3084 community monies has to be obtained by June Foundation has raised $700. We possibly would like yourself, to solicit of $2300. can be of with you, further ‘please funds. They monies whereby have earmarked necessary for the matching 30, 1986. a donation To date, from This. sum would which would be utilized to help the Morgan Elementary School. If we or meeting established generated pay for a the Browning then total computer He Morgan or is questions f} : i. William $6168 center assistance in answering let us know. Gh Arms, ee , Mek, Mato Education AK Chairman oundation Xue VS cE (ee copy of newspaper article Morgan } Educati6én ice-Chairman Foundation from Morgan News the County ; ee a 2 eaeide tise OE ame AY RAY 4 fate ay but Weuv/ Aus | oe ee ae 4 () / Cn nds “i Qe he Apes af nelly ways Os—— BW bene KONRAD F. SCHREIER, 1639 MANDEVILLE LOS ANGELES, CANYON CALIF. JR. RD. 90049 20 June 1986 Mr. Val Browning Browning Route One Morgan, Utah 84050-9749 Dear Mr. Browning, i an hastorian. am working-on the history.of John M. Browning's remarkable cal.:..50 machine gun for eventual publication. have’ a couple of very difiicult questions, and Col. W.=R. Betz of the John M. Browning Firearms Museum and Browning Collectors Association suggested you might be able to help First: Do you have George M. Chinn any idea when John M. Browning began recoil operated machine. gun says it was and/or documentation mid late of exactly his: machine -1 me. working on the enlarged Model 1917 which became the cal:: -50?? ~ Col. to 1917 in book, but fails to support this with a reference. And, of course, it is well known that work on the gun had begun at Colt in early 1918, and that the first of them was completed by ArmiStice *Day-== ll Nov 1918. ..Gan you add to this?? gun second: While I have been able to establish and document the relationship between John M. Browning, the Colt people, the Winchester people, U.S. Army people and the cal. .50- Browning Machine Gun development, there is one U.S. Army officer who I believe nad .a‘pakt insit-wagen 2 ameunable to establish. - He was Col. Jonn Henry "Machine Gun" Parker, a contemporary of Jonn M. Browning's. Parker became quite famous and earned his nickname for his use of Gatling Guns in the campaign in Cuba in- 1898. From then until World War.1 involved the U.S. Army in 1917 he was its primary advocate and authority on machine guns as a know Col... and their use, etc. He went staff officer for machine guns of and/or have any a ee Parker-and-John..M. Browning? thank you very much -for-gqiving Guestions....J believe they are Browning including Machine apreciated. Gun suggestions to history, of your both France Gen. Pershing kind. attention to the important tothe: cals so anything YouUrS very possible with and gunnery. Do you know on the relationship between sources, you care would truly, be to above .50 contribute, most pple? $43 VX > oha. ya ae Ca ““tewe, ‘4 a 5 GY Ly Ne aes WE We A ahshah (ose cee = 1 Zh - ‘4 Feed o pee Loe 4 (40244 awadp : Ox M2 , Le )) 1% : j =F te tA: ies K eur eee Aan gs VMAs CLR 4 “$ e £ ao. Vd, i te a W Van , td TOF « ToTFAR [ie Y y = SZ - ¥ fi } yy Si du ap Lagi om ae i is lee VVAA GAO nef ob Yt bart; AV fot is § thee: hog, To “Sg afd Y AS tog se (Loy lt, [F/E pd 7 VD Bete ee tel a Of Fo So BROWNING Corporate Headquarters es Hollow Road Pe 7 6624 ers Number To Your Questions 1 there "Because reply: His question. son this I asked my eldest in he had I think Actuaily for him to design." Left nothing was loud were there time At that income. of source a continuing mind guns automatic semi and repeating Bes raised voices is a there "I think told me father) (my He exterminators!" "same be one gun which will over-under priced for a reasonably market out of business." legislated to be shotguns last of the Number 2 and many 3 difficulties. redesigning, and At first- of mechanical. agreement on price, and of in a matter fired and test finished was prototype first applicati on; patent the and made it to an attorney I took been had manufactures American since Belgium, to over interest. no indicated 1 and Ore v o aoe = oe city Nationale fulfil to time little de d'Armes lucrative and running at that time was Guerre orders ammo and rifle military available personnel for cost and other yuh ct | import The U.S.A. on. dragged and negotiations s involved, was duty rate the because block stumbling the main was riff wholesale foreign the of a percentage on based is) ill gun and above per $30 was price fixed the time that price. would a] considerably. increased rate tariff the amount that icked markets, in European price that to maintain not agree a A prominent to Germany. and went the model up to anxious seemingly manufacturer, rms German the said study, some after Browning, with connectio ee OnuCe firm an order he at gun for installation. the required sufficient a number price of if guns Browning to would es a the cost of warrant I wrote to Ogden for advise and awaiting the reply, returned to Belgium where F.N. agreed to match the German proposal. An order was then placed with F.N. for 10,000 guns at $30 per gun. All of these negotiations took time. I do not remember the dates; and Route One, Morgan, Utah 84050-9749 © 801-876-2711 ¢ Fax 801-876-3331 further e ick men, fem delays were to come. Se mg ane ~e "ene Mechanically the workmanship was acceptable, but the finish was often not. The French walnut wood for stocks was not uniform, and the checkering and fitting were not high class. The source of supply was changed to California. I set took up up an entirely inspectors Number The were often Lie ge sold Browning to insure by F.N. inspection Guns cquality. in European group wEhised by and my markets. 5 answer Number is 6 My father mechanism 26. independent at residence came to Belgium and to improve appearance. 1926. revised th He died in Se 8 ve Her sta 1, ejection November The first tool room model was finished when I returned to Belgium after the funeral in Ogden, Utah. I sent it to Ogden for field testing. tt: had the <J.M-B. single Pesecer mechanism. Mariner Browning used it for a duck hunt and w in a flat bottomed duck boat. He stood up to shoot ata . duck, whirling his shoulder to the left, he fired and the gun doubledalmost toppling him out of the boat. (i-don = Know: it: ne sot the duck. but he nearly got ducked I then designed a doubling. eliminated and called it successively bottom barrel in the lake.) This would not do! system on a principal which definitely I also arranged it with double triggers, the "Twin single fire each barrel. first, then a second fire the top barrel. and the under barrel The next system". The pull front on the Each trigger would trigger fired the same trigger would rear trigger fired the top barrel first pull. I still like this system but the Browning sales dept. vetoed it because the American shot-gunner is accustomed to pistol @rip stocks and finds shifting triggers with pistol stocks awkward. So I changed to one trigger with selector combined with the trigger lock Msatety' 3 on. top d tang, as it is today. In the meantime my brother, John, and patented ideas which had their faults cousin, Mariner 8-9 Would agree, Number 10 I think it but the know best of value none. double gun on the market each had Deteecan Corporate Headquarters Schwing Cherry Hollow Road -edericksburg, Tx 78624 Answers umber To Your Questions: 1 ae Il asked my eldest son this question. His reply: “Because there was nothing left for him to design." Actually I think he had in mind a continuing source of income. At that time there were loud voices raised against repeating and semi automatic guns "same exterminators!" je (my father) told me "I think there market of the for a reasonably last shotguns to priced over-under gun which will be legislated out of business." Number Yes, then many difficulties. At firstredesigning, and mechanical. of agreement on price, and oa The first prototype was finished and test fired in a matter of weeks. I took it to an attorney and made the patent application then over to Belgium, since American manufactures had been questioned and indicated no interest. The Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre was at that time running at capacity to fulfil lucrative military rifle and ammo orders and had little time and available personnel for cost and other studies involved, and negotiations dragged on. The U.S.A. import and tariff was the main stumbling block because the duty rate was (and still is) based on a percentage of the foreign wholesale price. At that time the fixed price was $30 per gun and above that amount the tariff rate increased considerably. F.N. would not agree to maintain that up the model and went to German arms manufacturer, connection with Browning, produce the gun firm order for a an installation. at the price required sufficient in EurSas Germany. A seemingly after some number price of markets, so I picked prominent and reputable anxious to welcome a study, said they could if guns Browning to would warrant the place cost a of I wrote to Ogden for advise and awaiting the reply, returned to Belgium where F.N. agreed to match the German proposal. An order was then oi ased. Gi th BLM afon 1 @0j-80011 gums sase38B0 per gun. All of VAL A. BROWNING ROUTE MORGAN, |} UTAH 84050 June 27, F235 Kontad F. Sehnaeter, IA. 1639. Mandeville Canyon Rd. LoS’ Angeles, CA 90049 Neax MA. Senmeter, IAL: This Walk acknowledge receiptok your Letter of June 20th, 1986. To the first of your questions, I regret to inkorm you that I have no documentation of the exact date when my kather started work on the enlarged model 1917, which became the Calabenr”.50.. I. think my 432end, Col. Geakae Uo Chinn's oninion 44 close for the following ArAeasons: I was working with my 4acnen at Colts in enlargement came to him at that time. He would 04 a prototype and not without mid i917). Tre wpkovpsal {or characteristics of he menttoned have started samples and the idea occasionally actual construction cantnidge. 14 48 possible that a government think 4t was Frankfort Ansenal) would have a date the f4AS5t Sample Caliber .50 ammunition Cokts for Department my and father. sent to I was France commissioned tn in early 1918, the arsenal (I record of the was sent to the and Ordinance do not remember of any actuak work on a model before thadt £AMe, akthough doubtless, a good deak of thought was devoted to the project. It was after I Lest that my father got an apantment tn Hartford and had my mother come to join him An anticercpation of a Lengthy stay there working on the .50 Caliber. I returned to Hartford the Last part of December 1918, and with my father and Faxed Moone of Cokt's, fined a toolroom model Caliber .50 down at the test range in "Cold’s Meadow”. That was January 1919... dhe war was over, interest 4n military weapons and memory of events of the times waned:,. ALL of the work on the first toolroom modek was done at the Colt should Your Second known in the Colt have shon old question, 44nrearms and 4t*& neconds. "Machine foreman was Gun" Parker's fraternity, and named, 1 think name my Tansley. was well father had conversation with him casuakky once or twice, but I know there was no other nelationship. He, as an advisor to General Pershing, may have been one of the advocates of a machine gun more powerful than the .30 Cakiber and most Likely had suggestions as to the cartridge. Sincerely, a a, 7 Valk A. é { AL , BAownstng /y > LA Lop irk Wve wy 4 re eg VAL A. BROWNING ROUTE MORGAN, |! UTAH 84050 “July tI. 4986 first time in the W.W. Ma. Kneaad £. Santecenr.- JA. 1639 Mandeville Canyon Road LoS Anaqeles, CA 90049 Dean Ma. T Tultan met Sehrecert.: (Massachusets) Ondinance S. [4.2 Hatcher Armoru Denantment. the when After he was a Major I Soringkield in the U.S. Aramistice Army when 1 neturned 420m France, I was stattoned at a desk in Washington D.C. under Colonek Juktan Hatcher's onders hon several weeks until I was able to get my drdscharge to work on sporting firearms with my father. After W.W.IIT, General Hatcher dtopoed off tn Ogden, Utah for a day to visit with me. Colts the provided factory top-notch with a well a Lighted room workbench, draftsman (whose tools, name for my a father out draftboard, escapes me). in and The begcse Sevssstitestcseeet a draftsman made drawings under my father's Andstruction which were passed to the tookrzoom machinists where the parts were made and assembled under my father's supervision. During and after the testing of the prototype, there were remarkably few alternations. 1 was told tt was nearly a perfect design 108. I do not know why the Caliber .30 was chosen excepting that 44 was the then existing U.S..Anmy standard rifle ammunition and Stocks of 44 were on hand. l enew MA. Ed Pugaley euize well, YOURS very ae ; Vfl ,: ie #4 i j Var ey 4 BP es if-* j fAuly, ST Pw im t d BS f = sh 7 fifii ; y ? / = * 4 ae ‘eas . 1 } aw / ? er Pa lA v/ /¢ SF 4 2 Apr wf eae. Mi Pa S¥ ANE a ¥ (& vy j - Val A. Browning é / / > = ; 7 | one AEE We Pe a ty yal er ALeO Rea « we ee ae i eae meet 5 PG { A Rue le Pg He BMEig 2& weBe Piet? wi ek 5% he erent Se ane eg z BERS Dae¢ ho he er eS + ah 6 eee Shy Hig Bit oft ag * Le Ne 4 ig em :ba + Pe Pea et2eet ee er & we eS Lee E te Fy, oS yt eee rr Phare veehaOBEbal bee, ee vb GED ae we : a aso beet ss we Paws ae « i 0A eee AL€ aie te * ae) + eo! oe SE me Gl i % rd tse % 3 > &. ae g a’ Pi ayOat? o " er eke ‘ SOT f g —e 5 : NENT (Pry ¥ \ oe . . — + SE ruayreneneOP iind VTS Py ry hi y Sateseh. 1 5 ‘ <> sar p : Se Ne a xiiat Va Ogee Oi Fae ag. FAP ey ss ; ead " an . OETA ag Haw Le TCA AA RG ME ae Follow-Up Browning 1. Do Questions for Superposed. you recall required to same lines, Mr. Val specifically Browning what concerning redesign get the Superposed into what mechanical changes the changes were production? Along were required? the 2. You have indicated that no American manufacturers were interested in producing the Superposed. Who were these companies and what were their reasons for declining to build the gun? Also, would you name interested in manufacturing to build the gun? 3. and Why did fitting FN have when 1903? Was the than the A-5? it the problems had been Superposed the German with finish, building that company Superposed much the more that before stocks, FN was agreed checkering, Browning difficult A-5 to since build 4. Would you describe in some detail how long you spent in Liege, where you found your inspectors, and who trained them? Did your system of quality control for the Browning Superposed remain in effect at FN after World War II? 5. According Superposed to company sold sales approximately figures, 17,000 the guns Browning between 1931 and 1939 in the U.S.. Were these sales disappointing to you or did they exceed your expectations? Did demand ever surpass supply during the 1930’s or was production slowed so as not to exceed 6. Who demand? designed Midas) recall the first engraving patterns (Pigeon, Diana, on the Superposed and who approved them? Do you the reason why the Pigeon, Diana, and Midas grades were discontinued on the Superposed and replaced by Grades I through V (later grade VI was added) in 1950? In 1960 the original grades were re-introduced with the addition of the Pointer Grade. Why did this occur and who made the decisions? 7. When 8. Do in Ogden? did you Superposed Browning know 9. Do you know the Superposed drawings the other of the Arms become location than those of at a publicly any the prototype Browning held company? or experimental Firearms if any of the original design drawings still exist or any other early working Superposed survive? Museum for 10. On May 10, 1940 German armies, without warning, invaded the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxemburg. Did the production of Browning firearms continue up to this date or had events in Europe prior to this invasion caused the cessation of Browning production at FN? 11. According to general histories the FN production facilities were quickly converted at the end of the war Europe to the business of repairing small arms. How did it take and what types of problems did you encounter resuming Browning production at FN after the war? 12. According to the book, John M. Browning: American Gunmaker, you were gauge Superposed. responsible for the design of the Can you share with me any details frame for in long in 20 of events leading up to the 20 gauge design and any difficulties you may have encountered with the design or production? Along the same lines, was there any discussion about the possibility of designing and building a smaller specifically the 28 gauge or .410 bore Superposed? Research questions for Mr. Val Browning concerning the Browning Superposed for a forthcoming book. Working title, Browning’s Finest: The Superposed. 1. Why did your father 2. Did you encounter with the Superposed? design any the initial Superposed? production difficulties 3. The first J.M. Browning patent, number 1,578,639, filed September 29, 1924 and granted March 30, 1926. According to the John Superposed did not go in fact the case, and 4. at was Browning/Curt Gentry book the into production until 1930. Is if so why? this Can you briefly describe the proficiency of the craftsmen FN who built the Superposed during the years preceding World War II? 5. Was there any discussion about moving the production facilities from FN to the United States during your tenure at Browning? 6. Can number you give Browning’s mechanism; with 7. Browning’s patent patent, number 1,898,291 concerning a and your patent number 1,898,000 also trigger dealing 1,870,552, any background on John single trigger mechanism? an improved trigger What prompted your design for mechanism; patent Marriner number 2,203,378 concerning elimination of "doubling" brought on by "involuntary pull"? Were the early trigger designs of improvement? If so, why? in need 8. If you have any family correspondence concerning the development and production of the Superposed would you be willing to allow these to be used as research for this book? 9. If you have any family photos showing the early development, production, or actual use of the Superposed, would you allow these photos to be published? 10. What is Superposed? your personal opinion of the Browning KONRAD 1689 F. SCHREIER, MANDEVILLE LOS ANGELES, CANYON CALIF. JR. RD. 90049 PL Mr. Val A. Browning Route Lt Morgan, Dear Utah Mr. odwey 31 SSG Browning 84050 Browning, Thank you very much for your considerate .50 regarding. your father’s: cal. answers letter of June 2/7. and extremely useful gun in’ your machine Army Ordnance During and after World War II I was in the U.S. and Hatcherg S. Julian Gen. Maj. for worked and I Department, tired and BMG, .50 onthe work of lot did 4a many others... gun's Army tells me this remarkable The U.S. it in combat. service in remain to it expect design is so sound that they to the year 2,000 and beyond!! This leads me to another guestion or so: I gather he worked How did your father design the gun?? First: had them make basically and the Colt machinests, by instructing 1917 Model cooled water 330 Similar to his Cat. enlargea parts instructing them in what he Then he continued gun. machine it was under development. the gun while wanted done to improve Did he ever: do any of the actual machine Ts this about correct? of any kind for the Did he ever make sketches work himself? for him? machinests working IT have another question you might but not concern the -cal..-.50 BMG, Tt*concerns World I knew War Mr. II: I-understand weight gun the Ed you Pugsley, he the development Do know selected Army I wanted. the cal. .30 always to junior why was it of be able to answer which has puzzled to I the be cal. .30 compatable used this which does me for years. Carbine was to with carbine Ml chosen? before Although ask him, in combat the very but light in always lot Of Other Army people, along witha ILE; and, World’War .351 SLR (based on the Winchester wondered why it wasn't a 9-mm cartridge) instead of a cal...30 (based on the Winchester 32 SLR cartridge). Again may I thank you for your very kind and useful answers to my questions regarding cal. .50 Browning Machine Gun development. I would very much like to ask you more if you will allow me to. YOurs: Very Eruly, KONRAD F. SCHREIER, JR. 1689 MANDEVILLE CANYON RD. LOS ANGELES, CALIF. 90049 Mr. Val A. Browning Route 1 Morgan, Dear Mr. 22 July. 1986 Browning Utah 84050 Browning, I=sincerely. thank you for your- two kind letters regarding your father's cal. <.50° machine guns invention... They are a very important addition to this research which is now practically complete. The whole story from 1918 to today, and it is that of a magnificent gun design. Your father is a real hero of mine, and particularly forthe Magnificent U.S. Army small arms of his 1 have used.< I can State that his .45 Colt MI9JLIAT pistol diterally saved my life in World War II-- It fired properly despite the mud and all of the jungles of Burma. But it is his me the most. helping me on "Isn't it years ago outdesign And, it.. .50 One the Browning Machine Gun of the many ordnance project perhaps said design which fascinates engineers who has been it best: great that JMB gave us that we use today as a so we can obsolete it. a gun design (over) 60 control to try and And we can't beat it!!" aS a matter The .50 BMG of is proven fact, nobody has yet to even equal a*truly amazing-design by .an amazing man. So I thank you again for your most the .50 BMG's history from the one before. Yours valuable information time I could not get very truly, Awd .and on to respectfully, / June Val 10,A.1986 Browning 26th Street den, Dear Utah &440)" 4 Val: Tomorrow ee at 7:00,| leave for our five-week student tour of Europe. Neediess to say, 1 am anxious and excited for another wonderful experience with theseé great students. With all the difficulties during the past several months, we have wondered from day to day if we should be going. As it turns out, itis an excellent time to go--and we're off. This is my last year as President of the Union Station Foundation. Bud Mitchell and I have been working to put together the Second Annual Western Film Festival. Last summer was a great success. We used the theatre at the Union Station as well as the Egyptian Theatre. It was wonderful to see that cold theatre in use again. Next year, it will becomea city project and a part of the _—. ays Celebration. Bud Mitchell for the Union station started the Pics as a fund-raising event; this year we will give it its finishing touches aks the Pioneer Days Committee wiil have the responsibility of carrying on. Is there a possiblity that your foundation could help us this year, for the last time, with a contribution of $6,500 7 raise between now and July 17-20. We have a budget of $49,640 to Unfortunately, 1 am deserting Bud in ‘3 iorning and feel a bit guilty as he needs all the help he can 4 ef fo inance this year's festival. Bud and I went over the budget this afternoon, and we would be most grateful for your help if your foundation could support us for the last time for this project. Support. We really do need your é which might give you further information ‘Iti : a great idea, and the public in this community western films ever made. Itis our heritage, Tones. If you feel you could heip us, would you contact Bud at the bank. contribution would be to the Union Station Foundation. to him a copy of this letter. We appreciate you. The I am sending Why don't you come to Africa with us in August? we G take great care of you, and it would be fun. Sincerely, ¢ or Thomas |. Moore \0 2541 v7; én Buren Avenue Ogden, Utah 64401 v/, f /) VAL A. BROWNING ROUTE MORGAN, I UTAH 84050 January Mr. Chief First Spencer F. Executive Security 20, 1987 the Board Eccles Officer Corporation Main Salt. at «First South Office bake City, Utah 84110 Dear Spence al Enclosed is my resignation from of Directors of the First Security Corporation.» I cannot do this without sending to you, and each and every member of the Board, my most friendly greetings and very, very best wishes. Sincerely, Val A. Browning WILLIAM H. D. GODDARD carne aig One ree wise 7 caer per ot May Dear Mr. Val, Thank you imonial man about kindly The for your Government It may be of interest will be publishing an aspect of your father's SAAR AER RE OE ZR IR LD He Foe <a rs 11, permission Models in 1988 to our use your test- advertisements. to you that The American Riflearticle in its June issue on one design and corporate politics. Also, I believe Man at Arms is picking up a rather lengthy article of mine about the relationship between your father and Carl Ehbets. I am expecting that article to run in June or July. I hope all brings promise family. is of well with you and that the Utah an enjoyable summer for you and spring your OY ER. Betz 1300 Walcott Gis Oden. 84403 Tel. Utah ( 801 ) 392-0622 Temporary 5210 address Yapistrano Atascadero CA 29 December arrived this &ve 93422 1988 Val A. Browning 1528 ~- 28th St. Ogden, UT 84403 Dear Mr. Browning; Your letter ever since brought mknd "Richard offered into focus the my Finch" for of sale. 27th,which a picture tthat had been the of the Browning friend as in source Suisun afternoon, forming mentioned the in name papers my being I knew both Dick Finch and his father shortly after Gene left Browning Arms. The son worked in a filling station wnich I patronized in the 1970s. Dick told me one day that he had a Browning Superposed which he would sell for a small sum, and later he did bring such a gun to the house, I do not remember what the price was, but I bought the gun. A few days later Dick's father called me and told me that the gun had been stolen, and asked me to return it. I agreed; Gene Finch and his son came to my house, repaid the money and took the shotgun, after Gene had apologized for his son'é actions, After reading Richard W. DeBruyn of the collection. possésskon them ment. in be for of the Since California the your letter I called the BCA Vice-President, who had been contacted for an appraisal He will contact Finch and attempt to gain papers, BCA(Browning Fiimch and complications is the in perhaps by Washington crime im making means was an state, committed arrest and of an offer DeBruyn and Collectors. Ass'n.) in or as Utah an there prosecution. to buy invest- I are will As as DeBruyn has contacted Finch and reported back to me, I report to you and be governed by your advice as to how to soon will deal with Finch. I have cautioned DeBruyn to be very careful in dealing with Finch, and warned him not to mention this affair to anyone else at this point. Respectfully yours, ST aa NED SCHWING 912 Cherry Hollow Road — Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 August. 9,. 1993 Mr. Val Browning Browning Route One Morgan, Utah 84050 Dear Mr. Thank Browning, you questions. for informative I have gathered your Your and enclosed from enlightening willingness accurate a roster a variety Once again, to meet you year. thank on my my will make the presidents of of sources. you very visit to much for Browning correct, but I am concerned Do you have any corrections to help book. of responses to I think follow-up this Browning the about the accuracy of to the enclosed list? 210-997-9942 a more order is the dates. your assistance. before the end of I hope this