Jose Baerten Engraved SA-22 Grade II 2 SA22 .22 LR Takedown Rifle 1963 C&R

Sold For: $3556

LSB#: 201021MW31

Make: Made by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium for Browning

Model: 22 Semi-Auto Rifle, Grade 2. We believe that the grade 2 engraving on this one was done by Master Engraver Jose Baerten (1955-1987). Jean Pierre Bailey signed his works “Bailey” and Jean Marie Boulanger used “JMB”.

Serial Number: 3T77829

Year of Manufacture: 1963 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/22-semi-auto-rifle.html)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: This is a semi-automatic rifle with a tubular magazine in the butt. It is a takedown model with a removable barrel.

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo & MONTREAL PQ / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING PATENTS”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “3T77829” in front of the forend. The underside of the bolt has a Belgian proof. The left side of the barrel is marked “22 LONG RIFLE” and has proofs partially obscured by the stock line. The bottom of the bolt has proofs. The top and sides of the receiver have floral motif scroll engraving. The left of the receiver is engraved with a scene of two prairie dogs, the right has a scene of two squirrels in a tree, and the top has a flying crane above reeds. The top also has a proof at the rear and is marked with the initials of the engraver “JB”. The bottom of the trigger guard has floral motif scroll engraving.

Barrel Length: 19 1/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a folding “U” notched sight adjustable for elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with flat-bottom pistol grip, fluted straight comb and serrated blued steel buttplate. The most noticeable defect is a mark on the right side of the buttstock that has partially gone into the finish. There are a couple faint draglines. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate is proud at the toe. The plate has some freckles of surface frost. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine Plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued Barrel with French Grey Receiver

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The bolt has light operational wear. There are a few handling marks on the receiver and a few light oil marks mainly on the sides of the trigger guard. The left side of the barrel has a few tiny spots of light surface oxidation about midway between the muzzle and forend. The right side has some spots of dark discoloration on the rear squirrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. It has a cross-bolt safety at the front of the trigger guard. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a Naugahyde case. The interior lining has some discoloration from storage. The exterior has a few scuffs and portions of the serrated white plastic fitting on the handle have broken off. The hinges have some finish loss. The keys come included and the case rates in about Fine condition.