L. Lambert FN Browning Superposed Diana 2-Barrel Set 12 GA Shotgun 1965 C&R
SOLD FOR: $10250
LSB#: 230716HC002
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning
Model: Superposed Diana Grade Two Barrel Set
Serial Number: 46917S5
Year of Manufacture: 1965 (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 Inertia Trigger.
Markings: The right of the forend latch, the latch spring-loaded release, and the cocking lever lifter are all marked with the serial number. The top tang is marked “46917 S5”. There are proofs on the water table. The receiver has Diana Grade engraving done by engraver L. Lambert. The receiver has scroll relief engraving with game scenes. Both sides of the receiver are signed “L. LAMBERT”. The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / “MADE FOR ABERCROMBIE & FITCH” MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side of the top barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GA SHELLS 2 3/4 / PATENTS No 2.203.378 – 2.233.861”. The bottom chamber is marked with the serial number. There are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs.
*Both barrel sets bear the same markings aside for their respective choke markings.
Barrel Length: Both barrel sets are 26.5″ with a vent rib.
Choke: One set is Fixed Skeet over Skeet and the other is Fixed Full over Improved Modified
Sights / Optics: The front sight for both barrels is a steel bead at the muzzle. The top of each rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: The weight with the Skeet barrel set is 7 lbs. 5.2 oz. and with the Full over Improved Modified set is 7 lbs. 6.4 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and a Browning buttplate. There are only some infrequently scattered faint handling marks, faint lines, and a faint nick or two. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2? and the drop at heel is approximately 2 5/16?. The plate has faint wear. The cast is neutral . Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & French Gray
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bore sets are bright with no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces are clean with only faint handling marks present. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun is in about Excellent 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. The rib is cracked at the rear. 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: This shotgun comes in a Browning “suitcase” with the two barrel sets, an Orvis leather stock cover, a manual, and a key for the case.
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 Diana Grade Two Barrel set from 1965, in about Excellent condition, retaining about 99% of its metal finish. Only sixty five of these were made in Diana Grade! One barrel set is choked Skeet over Skeet and the other is Full over Improved Modified. The bores are bright and the mechanics are crisp over 50 years since this work of art left the factory. The engraving was done by L. Lambert. Diana grade guns were only allowed to be engraved by the best artisans employed. 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!
-Greenfield
