Belgian Browning Superposed 12 Gauge 30 in Full / Full Shotgun With Ejectors 1932

SOLD FOR: $1,650
Make: Browning
Model: Standard Grade Superposed
Serial Number: 2275
Year of Manufacture: 1932 – Blue Book
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever, Break Action Over/Under with Ejectors and Twin Single Triggers
Markings: The left side of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St LOUIS MO / 12 GA SPECIAL STEEL”. The right side of both barrels have the “*” Full choke symbol, and the left shows ”Crowned ELG over Star” definitive proof marks and the “12-70” inside a “C” gauge and length mark. The underside of the bottom barrel has a Provisional Proof Mark and a “Star” over “K” inspection mark. The right side of the top barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM – BROWNING PATENTS No 1578638 – 1578639 / OTHER PATENTS APPLIED FOR”. All three parts of the forearm release levers are marked “2275”. The water table has the Nitro Proof mark and the right water table has a “Star” over “KC” (?) inspection mark and the Perron proof of breeching system mark. The serial number “2275” is found under the top lever and the underside of the receiver is marked “Browning” and “TRADE MARK” with an ovalled bust of John Browning. The inside of the trigger guard, corresponding with the triggers, is marked “O” and “U”. The bottom of the pistol grip has what appears to be “VB” in a rectangle, this is very small.
Barrel Length: 30”
Choke: Marked Full & Full
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead front sight set on a matted ventilated rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are original finish and condition checkered walnut. The forearm has the horseshoe plate at the front and is darkened from use, with handling and compression marks and general wear to the checkering. The butt stock has a round knob checkered pistol grip and a blackened red recoil pad. The checkering on both pieces is worn though remains pronounced. There are many surface marks, dings and a few heavier dents, though the wood has never been sanded or refinished. There is a tiny loss at the upper right tang, which is less than 1/16″ deep and less than 1/8″ in diameter. There are no cracks in the stock, but there is a hairline crack at the right rear of the forearm for about 2″; this is a slight crack and should be easily repaired. The LOP measures 13 ¾” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the wood, plus another ¾” to the back of the vintage and firm pad. The LOP from the rear trigger is 1” less. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright and free of dents. There is no erosion but one scratch in the upper bore, ahead of the chamber from a cleaning rod.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning at the sharp edges and handling marks to the metal surfaces. There are a few tiny surface freckles on the frame flats. The barrel shows wear consistent with the frame, slight thinning at the leading edges and some surface dinging on the right side of the bottom barrel, about 3″ from the muzzle. These have not dented the bore and are still quite light. The screw heads are mildly distressed. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun has twin single triggers. It has two triggers that work as a single if either is pulled twice. The front trigger fires the bottom barrel then the top barrel if pulled again after recoil. The back trigger fires the top barrel then the bottom barrel if pulled again after recoil. We have not fired this shotgun. There is no play in the lock up and the gun passes the dollar test.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Belgian Browning Superposed is the first we have seen with the Twin Single Trigger system invented by John Browning’s son, Val. It has two triggers that work as a single if either is pulled twice. The front trigger fires the bottom barrel then the top barrel if pulled again. The back trigger fires the top barrel then the bottom barrel if pulled again. It would appear that this shotgun was intended as a field gun, but given the age and condition it likely was not used as such very often. This is a second year of production gun, made in the first full year of production. You would be hard pressed to find a more cared for and honest Superposed – this old. We cannot speak to the originality of the pad, though it is vintage, well fit and attractive on the gun.