Louis Vrancken Factory Master Engraved Browning Superposed Pointer 12 GA
SOLD FOR: $5525
LSB#: 230411LH004
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Pointed Grade
Serial Number: 74755
Year of Manufacture: 1959 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Inertial Trigger.
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS, MO.& MONTREAL P.Q. / SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GA. – SHELLS 2 3/4″”, the right is marked with patents above “MADE IN BELGIUM” with patent numbers. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*”, the bottom “**“, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “74755” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch, the latch spring-loaded release is marked, and the cocking lever lifter are all marked “74755”. The top tang is marked “74755”. There are proofs on the left side of each barrel and on the watertable. The receiver has Pointer Grade engraving done by master engraver Louis Vrancken. The receiver has scroll engraving with game scenes. Both sides of the receiver are signed “L. VRANCKEN”.
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Fixed Full over Fixed Modified
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white bead at the muzzle and there is a smaller white midbead. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, finger groove forend, and a Browning buttpad. There is a crack on the top of the wrist at the tang. There is a crack on the left cheek at the corner formed by the receiver. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There are some draglines and compressions. There are some dings into the wood most noticeable on the comb at the heel and on the bottom of the forend at the front. The majority of the defects have colored with age. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the Browning buttplate. The drop at comb is approximately 1 1/4? and the drop at heel is approximately 1 3/4?. The pad has light wear. The cast is neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & French Gray
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. In my opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is some faint finish wear and discolored bluing at the muzzles. There are a few little nicks and marks through the finish, most noticeable on the barrels toward the front. There are a couple tiny specks of surface oxidation on the barrels. The frame has some light handling wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly used with strong slots. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The safety does NOT set automatically when the action is opened but functions properly when manually set. 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 Browning case, key, and snapcaps.
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 Pointer Grade 12 Gauge from 1959, in about Fine condition, retaining about 97% of its metal finish. This one has game scenes that were done by Master Engraver Louis Vrancken. Mr. Vrancken began work with FN soon after WWII and by the 1950s he had risen through the ranks and been personally asked by John Val Browning to create new designs for the 1960s. His work is important and historic, he was the driving force that helped Browning modernize and was one of the chief engravers at the firm in the 1960s. He was also in many ways responsible for the creation of the Custom Shop. Many hold him in high regard calling him one of the best engravers of the 20th Century and many Browning collectors value his work more than any other factory artist. The Schwing book not only says “his preeminence as an engraver is unchallenged among experts” but also has a chapter dedicated entirely to Vrancken titled “The Genius of Louis Vrancken“. This particular beauty has little wear and the game scenes are immaculate, Vrancken is known for his exacting anatomy and the animals almost jump off the metal! His work is beautiful and in a league of its own. This is a beautiful shotgun and would be a fantastic addition for anyone who fancies themselves a true collector. Please see our photos and good luck!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
