Belgium FN Browning Superposed Pointer Grade III Watrin Engraved 12 Gauge 2 3/4 Inch O/U Over Under SKEET Shotgun MFD 1962, C&R

SOLD FOR:$5,961.59

LSB#: 140925GS02
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Pointer Grade III
Serial Number: 99889
Year of Manufacture: 1962
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Top Break, Over/Under (O/U) with Single Selective Trigger and Ejectors
Markings: This shotgun is engraved with Watrin’s rendition of the Pointer Grade scene and is signed “V.Watrin”. The top tang beneath the lever is marked “99889”. The left side of the forend lever is marked “9889”. The left side of both chambers are marked “**S”. The left side of the lower chamber is marked “99889”. 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 side of the upper barrel is marked “PATENTS NO.….. / MADE IN BELGIUM”.
Barrel Length: 26 ½”
Choke: The choke designation is “**S”. We believe this to be Skeet.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white dot blade. This may have been a Bradley style front sight that has lost its original bead. There is also a small white mid-rib bead.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are hand checkered walnut and high polish finished. They have beautiful grain and are in the lightning configuration. The forend shows only the lightest of handling marks. The buttstock has a round butt pistol grip. The wood looks nearly new, almost too good to be true. In our opinion it has likely been replaced/refurbished professionally. The wear to the trigger gives the indication to a lot of field time, where the stock appears like the gun was never placed in a rack or handled at all. The LOP measures 14 ¼” from the front of the trigger to the back of the browning buttplate. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition. Drop @ Comb: 1 1/2″ – Drop @ Heel: 2 1/4″. Apparently neutral cast.
Type of Finish: Satin Nickel Receiver with Blue barrels
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some wear on the bottom barrel from the forend sliding forward for disassembly. There is little finish remaining on the trigger, most has been worn thin from shooting. There is some pinprick surface erosion on the underside of the lower barrel at the muzzle. The receiver shows a bit of wear under the barrel rerlease lever, from a shooter’s thumb. Patches of the plating has worn and thinned at the high edges and around the engraving. There is also some light thinning of the nickel plating on the underside of the receiver as well. There is scattered thinning on the tangs and receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, though the gun seems a tad bit looser that would be expected based on the condition. The gun will likely need to be tightened up. We got not wobble or rattling with the action closed or open on face. There is no effort needed to open the action completely. The gun passes the dollar bill best with no problem. We have not fired this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes in a Browning hard case. The interior shows only the lightest of oil staining. An uninstalled Browning recoil pad is included in its original packaging. The case rates in Fine condition showing only light storage wear. No key is provided but the case is unlocked.
Our Assessment: This beautiful Superposed Pointer Grade was engraved by the Chief FN engraver Andre Watrin or Andre’s Wife who was also an employed Engraver at FN. Felix Funken the master engraver since 1926 retired from FN in 1960. Felix Funken wrote in his diary that Andre Watrin was his successor. Watrin was known for his artistic abilities and impeccable taste. Funken declared that Andre Watrin was his most dedicated and best pupil and after years of time as Funken’s assistant, Watrin was finally being honored as a master engraver. This example when compared to some of the others in the Browning Superposed book by Ned Schwing is of the most detailed and anatomically correct animals which really brings the engraving to life. This is a truly beautiful firearm worthy of any collection to be admired by generations to come.

Belgium FN Browning Superposed Pointer Grade III Watrin Engraved 12 Gauge 2 3/4 Inch O/U Over Under SKEET Shotgun MFD 1962, C&R
Belgium FN Browning Superposed Pointer Grade III Watrin Engraved 12 Gauge 2 3/4 Inch O/U Over Under SKEET Shotgun MFD 1962, C&R