Hilton Estate Browning Superposed Midas Grade 28 GA O/U Shotgun, MFD 1973
SOLD FOR: $15150
LSB#: 210226PM07
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed, Midas Grade
Serial Number: 099F73
Year of Manufacture: 1973 (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 is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the right is marked “BROWNING SUPERPOSED / SPECIAL STEEL 28 GA. SHELLS 2 3/4? / BROWNING PATENTS”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the left of each barrel is marked with Belgian proof marks, the top with “1” and the bottom “2”. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*” and the bottom “**”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “099 F3” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “099F”, the top of the cocking piece is marked “099F”. The top tang is marked “099 F73” and the water table is marked with Belgian proofs. The receiver has Midas Grade engraving with fowl scenes on each side and the bottom, the side scenes have gold decorative borders, and all surrounded by foliate scroll relief engraving and punch-dot matting in the negative spaces, with motif continuing onto the guard, forend iron, lever, safety switch and each side of the top chamber. Each of the birds is done in molded gold. The left of the receiver beneath the game scene is signed “R.Bee” (Rosa Bee) and the right with “M.Geurde”. The safety indicators on the top tang are inlaid with gold.
Barrel Length: 28?, Vent-Rib
Choke: Full over Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is finely checkered to reduce glare.
Weight: 6 lb., 9.5 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece finely checkered select walnut with flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and textured black plastic Browning buttplate. There are a few minor nicks in the belly toward the toe and a few minor marks in the grip areas of the checkering. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear at the heel and toe. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/4″, drop at heel 2″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Gold
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is a scuff on the left of the top barrel about 2″ from the muzzle and there are a couple of minor nicks on the edges of the rib. The barrels show minor operational wear from the forend during disassembly. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective trigger which is inertially set. The action closes with a satisfying ‘clunk’ with both barrel sets, 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 correctly when set manually. 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 wonderful example of FN’s post-war work from one of the most interesting periods of Browning engraving. This Midas Grade Superposed was made in 1973 with the engraving scenes applied by Rosa Bee and another engraver, M. Geurde, about whom we couldn’t find any information, possibly an under-study to Bee. From its gorgeous game scenes and fine scroll work to its wonderful finish and beautifully figured walnut, it’s easy to see why the Midas Grade Superposed shotguns are among the most sought-after for collectors. This example is in Excellent condition with little sign of use. This would make an excellent addition to any Browning or over-under shotgun collection, all the more so because of its documented connection to William Barron Hilton. Please see our photos and good luck!