Belgian FN Browning C. Baerten Master Engraved Superposed Diana Grade 28″ 12 Gauge Over/Under O/U Shotgun & Case, MFD 1974

SOLD FOR: $5,355

LSB#: 150603DH01
Make: Browning (Belgium)
Model: Superposed Diana Grade
Serial Number: 32734 S 74
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Top-Break Over/Under (O/U) with Ejectors and Single Selective Trigger
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING SUPERPOSED / SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA SHELLS 2 ¾”. The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The left side of the lug is marked “32734 S74”. The left side of the upper barrel is marked “*-“ The left side of the lower barrel is marked “**-“. The left side of the forend latch is marked “32734” The left side of the receiver is engraved with three pheasants in a wooded scene with scroll engraving and a pine tree. The engraver’s signature, “C. Baerten” is found in the lower right corner of the engraved scene. There are three ducks in a wetland scene on the right side of the receiver. The top tang below the barrel latch is marked in gold, “32734 S 74”.
Barrel Length: 27 ½”
Choke: The upper barrel is marked Improved modified. The lower barrel is marked Improved Cylinder. We measured the choke and in our opinion the barrels have been opened up to Skeet / Skeet. There is only the slightest constriction.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead front sight with a small white mid-rib bead on a ventilated rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut. The buttstock has beautiful grain. There is a light indentation on the right side of the stock at the wrist in line with the barrel release. There are some scattered handling marks on the right side of the buttstock. The left side of the buttstock has a few light marks at the receiver and very faint marks throughout. The drop at comb measures 1 1/2″ and the right side of the buttstock near the recoil pad shows what appears to be sticker residue and a few droplet marks. The drop at heel measures 2 1/8″. The LOP measures 14 ½” from the front of the trigger to the back of the Pachmayr recoil pad. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Coin Receiver
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is Bright. There is No erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a few light marks on the hard edges of the rib. There is also wear on the sides of the barrel from the sliding motion of the forend. The top of the rib has a few light compression marks. There is some scattered tarnishing in the coin finish on the receiver and tangs. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We have not fired this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes in a hard case which has slots for sub-gauge tubes. The hardware on the case is tarnished and the covering material on the case is dry. The case rates in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a factory engraved Belgian Browning Superposed Shotgun Chambered in 12 Gauge for 2 ¾” Shells. It was engraved by C. Baerten one of the master engravers that worked in the Browning factory. The left side of the receiver is beautifully engraved with three pheasants in a wooded scene with scroll engraving and a lone pine tree in the center of the scene. The scroll engraving is highly detailed and very deep. The right side of the receiver is engraved with three flying ducks. Again the detail is high and the engraving deep and sharp. This shotgun ought to make any collector and shooter proud as it has been well respected for the past 40 years.