Browning (FN) Belgian Post-War Superposed Grade II Pigeon Blue & Coin 32″ O/U Over Under Shotgun 1961

SOLD FOR $1,726.00
LSB#: 180412JT41

Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.

Model: Superposed, Grade II Long Tang

Serial Number: 92324

Year of Manufacture: 1961

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells

Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger.

Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St LOUS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q.”. The right of the upper barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”. The left side of the top barrel at the rear is marked “*” and the bottom with “*-“, under the forearm each is marked with “12-70” in oval and Belgian proofs. The right side of the top barrel toward the rear under the forearm is marked with “18.3” and withBelgian proofs, these same marks are on the bottom of the bottom barrel toward the rear under the forearm. The left side of the monoblock under the ejector arm is marked with the serial number. The underside of the cocking lifter and the left side of the forend latch are marked with the serial number. The receiver has Grade II scroll engraving with a pair of pigeons on each side. The water table is marked with Belgian proofs. The upper tang has the serial number.

Barrel Length: 32″, Vent-Rib

Choke: Fixed Full over Improved Modified

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead front sight fixed to the top of the wide vent-rib at the muzzle and with a smaller white mid-bead. The vent rib has in-line serrations in the middle with lateral serrations on each side.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut set. There is no evidence of erosion at the metal junctures (according to the Blue Book, this shotgun was made before Browning began using salt-wood). The forend has finger grooves, the buttstock has a flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, silver initial plate inlet in the belly and brown ventilated rubber recoil pad. The stocks have several scattered light compressions and scuffs with a more moderate depth compression on the right of the forend at the rear, a repaired chip in the top of the wrist at the rear of the top tang, a light mark on the initial plate and a spot of marring at the toe. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the gold-plated trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 13 3/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has hardened with age with scattered light wear and moderate wear at the heel and toe, in about Good condition. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8”, drop at the rear of the wood is 1 1/2”. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition and would likely be Very Good but for the chip.

Type of Finish: Blue Barrels, Coin Receiver

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there appears to be very light erosion in the bottom barrel in front of the chamber. This may prove to be stubborn fouling after a patient cleaning.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The barrel set has thinning at all edges, finish wear in front of the forend from disassembly and some scattered light marks. The coin finished receiver, tangs and trigger guard have some scattered very light frosting and some scattered light marks. The screw-heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective trigger and ejectors. The action closes with a satisfying ‘clunk’, indicative of FN’s legendary craftsmanship, resulting in zero movement between the barrels and frame. The safety does not automatically engage when the shotgun is opened. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: After the death of John Browning, his son Val would complete an over under shotgun with a single selective trigger and ejectors; the Superposed was introduced in 1931, it was an instant success; the factory did not produce any of these shotguns during WWII but just after the war ended, the factory came roaring back to life, creating some of their best product to date. This is a post-war FN produced Grade II, previously known as Pigeon Grade, 12 Gauge from 1961, in about Very Good condition, showing tight metal and wood fit, the action is still spot on and the trigger is crisp. Val’s SST is still known as one of the most reliable and ingenious of its kind, even though the patent is nearing 100 years in practice. This shotgun is in about Very Good condition showing evidence of extensive but responsible use and an unfortunate chip in the wrist which is the only feature which does not speak to a shotgun designed for nearly unlimited use which has seen consistent and responsible use. This shotgun has clearly served its former user well for a good long time and there’s no reason to think that it won’t do the same for lifetimes to come. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible shotgun can be transferred in California. All cartridge firing firearms including C&R and Antiques must be DROS’d at an FFL. This does not apply to out of state residents.