The Auto-5 was launched in 1905, so quite a bit earlier than JMB's move to Europe.
The man had been familiar with the FN factory for some time before his move. FN and Colt supposedly had agreed to sell pistols he designed, Colt for the US market, FN in Europe. I say 'supposedly' because IIRC this only applied to one pistol, the FN1905/Colt 1908VP, sometimes wrongly called 'the baby Browning' (the moniker applies to a later pistol model). Other designs made by Colt and FN were outwardly similar but had significantly different internals.
My father-in-law owns a Belgian Auto-5, made in 1923, I believe. Certainly on the heavy side by modern standards, but an amazing piece of kit nonetheless.
If the 1911 can be said to have revolutionized service-caliber autoloading pistols, the Auto-5 is easily credited as the gun that created a whole category of long-arms, all by itself. Personally I think that as a design, it is more remarkable than the 1911.
Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
M. Setter
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