Gino Cargnel Up-Grade Browning FN Superposed 12 GA O/U Shotgun, 1963 C&R
SOLD FOR: $6325
LSB#: 210517WT08
Make: Browning Made in Belgium by FN, Up-Graded by Gino Cargnel
Model: Superposed
Serial Number: 9613S3
Year of Manufacture: 1963, C&R (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger (interial).
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / SPECIAL STEEL-12 GA.-SHELLS 2 ¾”” . The right of the upper barrel is marked “PATENTS No 2.203.378-2.233.86 / 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 underside of the bottom barrel is marked with proofs. The left side of the bottom barrel is marked with the serial number. The cocking lever lifter is marked “9613 S3”. The takedown latch is matched and marked “9613S T2” and “LO”. The right sides of the barrels have proof marks and the bottom of the monoblock has inspection marks. The top tang is marked “9613 S3”. The receiver has gorgeous full-coverage foliate scroll relief engraving with matting in the negative spaces, continuing on the lever, guard, and exposed portion of the forend iron, with motif at the top chamber and at the muzzles, and the buttplate also has full-coverage engraving with the same foliate scroll pattern. The left of the receiver is signed at the bottom-rear “G.CARGNEL”.
Barrel Length: 26 3/8”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Fixed Full over Fixed Modified
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib and the top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 14.4 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered select walnut with fleur de lis motif, semi-beavertail forend, round-bottom pistol grip, straight comb and coin-finished engraved steel buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 15″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The buttplate has very minor wear at the heel, but otherwise shows only light handling marks. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: The gun was refinished at the time of engraving.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The receiver has a few spots of minor discoloration in its coin finish and the action shows minor operational wear. There is some stubborn dried grease in the action which may appear as discoloration in the photos. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition as up-graded.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective trigger and ejectors. The barrels lock up solidly. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened but does function properly when engaged 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: 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 12 Gauge from 1963. It likely left the factory as a Grade I, but has since become something much more. Gino Cargnel was an FN master engraver who would go on to move to America where he worked with Griffin & Howe as well as setting up his own engraving business. This shotgun has been up-graded with beautiful foliate scroll relief engraving similar to the D5G FN grade, but with a fully engraved buttplate and a ring of engraving motif on each muzzle. The up-grade is rounded out with a set of gorgeously figured walnut stocks. The result is a shotgun which is as much a piece of art as it is a great gun. Whether you want to show it off on your next hunt, trip to the range, or can just appreciate a magnificent shotgun, this would be a wonderful piece to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!