Fabrique Nationale FN Belgium Browning Superposed Pigeon Grade, Blue & French Gray 28 Gauge Over Under Shotgun, MFD 1967
SOLD FOR: $5,006
LSB#: 160205JC15
Make: Fabrique Nationale, in Belgium, for Browning
Model: Superposed, Pigeon Grade
Serial Number: 1599F7
Year of Manufacture: 1967
Gauge: 28, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Single Selective Inertia Trigger & Ejectors
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the left side of the upper and lower barrel are marked with a Belgian proof and “28-70” in oval, the lower barrel is also marked “Y / R”, the underside is marked “2”. The left side of the lug is marked “O / 1599F7”, with “*” (Full on upper barrel) and “**” (Modified). The underside of the lug has a series of faded markings from being polished during finishing, please see our pictures. The left side of the upper barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL – 28 GA. – SHELLS 2 ¾” / PATENS NO 2,203,378 / 2,233,861”, both barrels are marked with provisional proofs. The ejectors are marked “O / U”, respectively, with the insides of both marked “9F”. The underside of the cocking lever lift is marked with the serial number, the left side of the forend release lever is marked “1599F / B5”. The inside flats of the frame are marked “X” over _, the Perron proof and crown over “PV”, the upper tang, under the lever, is marked with the serial number, the tang is also marked “O / U / S” for over, under and safe positions. The ‘French Gray’ finished components have Pigeon Grade engraving; the frame has spectacular scroll artwork, with the flanks showing two pigeons in flight on each side. Please see our pictures of this beautiful shotgun! The butt plate is marked “BROWNING”.
Barrel Length: 26 ½”
Choke: Upper barrel: Full, Lower barrel: Modified; these are fixed chokes.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead, screwed into the barrel’s full length ventilated rib. The top of the rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are high grade fancy walnut with exceptional grain patterns, please see our pictures! The forend has flank checkering and shows scattered light marks with a few notable compressions on the right side. The butt stock is neutral case and features a rounded pistol grip which is flank checkered, presenting a pinched, strait comb. The butt stock’s wrist shows some compression marks and some thin, un-filled cracks emitting from the tang; these small cracks are found aft of the rounded grip, with other examples on the belly. Portions of the checkering have compression, some instances have flattened the checkers. The belly and wood at the butt plate show some chip losses of gloss finish and scattered marks. The drop at comb is 1 ½”, the drop at heel is 2 1/8”. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the gold plated trigger to the back of the factory black plastic shotgun-style butt plate; the plate shows some compression and compacted brown material in the pebbled surfaces, the plate is in Fine condition. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition. We inspected the metal surfaces around the wood and the stocks do not appear to be salt wood, as there is no erosion, indicative of that type of stock.
Type of Finish: Blued Barrel Set, Gold-Plated Trigger, with Matte ‘French Gray’ Components & Pigeon Grade Engraving
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some expected scuff wear on the lower barrel from the sliding forend; the flanks of the trigger have normal wear through the plating, the front shows some finger wear. The rib has some light thinning at the edges and there are a few small marks on the barrel set. Please see our pictures. The forend screw head shows some disfiguration, the butt plate screw slots are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition and would rate much higher but for the shallow, thin cracks in the butt stock.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun has a single selective inertia trigger and ejectors. The shotgun weighs about 6lbs 9oz and superb balance. The barrel closes into the frame with a satisfying ‘clunk’, indicative of FN’s legendary craftsmanship. 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: None
Our Assessment: Few shotguns approach the elegance and functionality proposed by Browning’s Pigeon Grade Superposed shotguns. This shotgun has a 26 ½” barrel, with fixed Full and Modified chokes, which makes this setup perfect for hunting foul or upland game. The metal retains about 97% of its finish, with spectacular engraving; the balance of the finish is attributed to expected forearm wear and some operational wear on the trigger. The forend shows some moderate depth compressions on the right side, the butt stock has thin, shallow un-filled cracks around the wrist and belly areas, with some compression marks. The shotgun would rate in Excellent condition but for these damages, which were not noticed until inspection with a magnifying glass; please see our photographs. All being said, this shotgun will make any shooter happy and is definitely a sight to behold!
