Hilton Estate FN Browning Model Superposed 28 GA 28″ O/U Shotgun 1969 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4005
LSB#: 210226PM03
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed, Grade I
Serial Number: 2537F69
Year of Manufacture: 1969 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 28 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger.
Markings: The left of the top barrel of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side of the top barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL – 28 GAUGE SHELLS – 2 3/4” / PATENTS No 2,203,379 – 2,233,861”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the left of each barrel is marked with “13.8” and what looks like “20-70”. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*”, the bottom “**”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “2537 F9”. The left of the forend latch is marked “2537F”, the top of the cocking piece is marked “2537F69”. The right side of the forend latch is marked “P1”. The top tang is marked “2537F69”, the bottom of the receiver is marked “BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John Browning and the water table is marked with Belgian proofs. The receiver has Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 28? Vent-Rib
Choke: Full over Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a steel bead mounted at the front of the rib.
Weight: 6 lb., 13 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, and brown rubber White Line recoil pad. There is what appears to be a small hairline crack on the left side of the wrist at about the rear inner curl of the trigger guard. The stocks have a few scattered little dings, scratches, and compressions. The most noticeable marks are on the bottom of the pistol grip, left side of the buttstock, and on the belly. There are a few areas of crazing on the wrist. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 14 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 13 1/2″ to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and is still supple. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 1/4″. The cast is neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, mostly on the frame. There are a few scattered little marks through the finish on the barrels. There is some thinning on the forend iron. There is a bit of thinning on the edges of the trigger guard. The barrels have minor wear forward of the forend from disassembly/reassembly. The top tang has wear from the safety/selector and lever. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The shotgun features a single selective trigger which is mechanically set. 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 set automatically when the action is opened but functions properly when manually set. 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: Included is a signed letter from the Hilton trust listing this gun by serial number.
Our Assessment: This shotgun comes from the estate of William Barron Hilton (October 23, 1927 – September 19, 2019) who was an American businessman, philanthropist, and sportsman. The son of Conrad Hilton, Mr. Hilton was most known for his position as the chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Hilton Hotels Corporation started by his father Conrad Hilton, and for his ownership of the now Los Angeles Chargers. 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 28 Gauge in 1969, in about Fine Plus condition, showing tight metal and wood fit, retaining about 97% of its metal finish with great bores, 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. With 28″ barrels each choked Full and Modified, this is going to make for a nice hunting or trap gun. This shotgun shows evidence of light use and responsible maintenance, it should be a good shooter for lifetimes to come. Please see our photos and good luck!