LEGIERS ENGRAVED DIANA GRADE BROWNING SUPERPOSED 12 GA. OVER UNDER SHOTGUN
SOLD FOR: $5,950
Beautiful 1963 Legiers engraved 28″ Diana Grade Browning Superposed 12 Ga. O/U Over Under Shotgun
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning
Model: Superposed Diana Grade
Serial Number: 11387S3
Year of Manufacture: 1963 (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 “11387 S3”. There are proofs on the water table. The receiver has Diana Grade engraving done by engraver Legiers. The receiver has scroll relief engraving with game scenes. The right side of the receiver is signed “LEGIERS”. The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / 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 – 2.233.86”. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*” and the bottom is marked “**” with the serial number. There are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs.
Barrel Length: 28″ with a vent rib.
Choke: Fixed Full over Modified
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white plastic bead at the muzzle and there is a smaller white alignment bead at the midway point. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lbs. 14.7 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, straight comb, and a ventilated Browning recoil pad. There is an initial plate in the belly marked “P / J / H”. There is a very small, faint crack on the right side of the wrist near the bottom. Otherwise, there are only some infrequently scattered faint draglines. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the Browning recoil pad and 13 1/8″ to the wood. The drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″ and the drop at heel is approximately 2 1/8″. The pad has some scuffs along the edges. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-Plus condition and would rate higher if not for the small split.
Type of Finish: Blue & French Gray
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The French gray portions have some areas of discoloration and oxidation, the most noticeable areas are on the trigger guard and safety. There is a notable ding on the left edge of the rib at about the midway point. There are some spots of discoloration on the bright portions at the muzzles. There is some faint thinning on the edges at the muzzles and rib. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly used with strong slots. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good-Fine condition. (See Mechanics)
Mechanics: There is an issue that causes the trigger to reset when it is released after the first pull. This not by design. 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: This shotgun comes in a Browning hard 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 a post-war FN produced Diana Grade from 1963, in about Very Good-Fine condition, retaining about 95% of its metal finish. Only sixty five of these were made in Diana Grade! The barrels are 28″ vent ribbed and choked Full over Modified. Unfortunately, there is a mechanical issue with the trigger that will need to be addressed. 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 Legiers. Diana grade guns were only allowed to be engraved by the best artisans employed. Despite the mechanical issue, this a beautiful shotgun and would be a fantastic addition for anyone who fancies themselves a true collector. Please see our photos and good luck!
