Browning (Fabrique Nationale) Superposed Skeet, Midas Grade Godimus / Dewill Engraved, Blue 28" Over / Under O/U Shotgun & Hard Case, MFD 1970

More Sold Fine Modern Arms

Sold For: $7,105.00

LSB#: 170121JB01

Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.

Model: Superposed Midas Grade Skeet

Serial Number: 3294F70

Year of Manufacture: 1970

Gauge: 28 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells

Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger.

Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY / MORGAN UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, followed by a “5” and “**$” on the lug, indicating a Skeet choke, seen again on the lug of the lower barrel, along with “3294 F”, which is found again on the forend release lever, lifter and upper tang, seen with an F70 suffix. The ejectors are marked “O/U” respectively. The right side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING SUPERPOSED / SPECIAL STEEL 28 GAUGE SHELLS 2 3/4″ / BROWNING PATENTS”. The inside of the receiver has a Belgian proof, the left has “A. GODIMUS” signature, the obverse has the signature of Rene Dewil, a documented FN engraver. The flanks of the receiver have finely sculpted 18 kt. gold inlay of birds in flight with swoop line bordering. The receiver, top lever, tangs, trigger guard, barrel lug and forend bracket have Midas grade scroll engraving with deep relief and spectacular adherence to the lines. The shotgun simply has to be seen and held to appreciate fully but see our pictures for the best representation one could ask for online.

Barrel Length: 28”, with Ventilated Rib

Choke: The barrels are both fix choked Skeet, both measuring about 0.547″ at the muzzles.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead front sight and smaller white mid-rib bead; the top of the rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece Extra Fancy burled walnut set with stupendous grain elements and tone variation. The forend has wrap-around hand checkering, tapering from 1.475″ at the rear most, to 2.30″ at the tip, the upper flanks have subtle finger grooves. The butt stock has fine checkering that traverses the wrist and ends in a flamed tail on the fore flanks of the butt. The stocks are free of any notable marks outside of scarce light scuffs, the shotgun does not look to have seen much use or handling. Drop at comb is 1 5/16”, drop at heel is 1 3/4”, with a slight cast-off profile at the heel, remaining about neutral at the heel. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the gold-plated trigger to the back of the brown ventilated Browning recoil pad; the pad is set with a black and white spacer, without notable marks, in Excellent condition. The stocks rate in about Excellent Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Gold

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The top of the rib has some shallow scuffs, nearly every fine checker is still defined. The fit and finish, wood to metal mating and superb finishing mask any other notable markings outside of faint scuffs and a tiny amount of rubbing on the lower barrel from the forend. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective trigger and ejectors. The action closes with a satisfying ‘clunk’, indicative of FN’s legendary craftsmanship, resulting in zero movement between the barrel and frame. The shotgun weighs 6lbs 13oz. 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: The shotgun comes with a leather bound factory hard luggage case, showing a few scrapes, the company brass plate is missing from the front. The inside has a small amount of fowling on the faux leather, there are no major damages, the case is in Fine to Excellent condition. Also included is an owner’s manual in its black envelope, which has some small tears. A Superposed Guarantee is included but it is not serialized to this shotgun, in a plastic factory bag.

Our Assessment: From http://military.wikia.com/wiki/Browning_Superposed “The Browning Superposed was one of the first over and under shotgun designs to be produced, and the last firearm to be designed by John Browning. After Browning’s death, the design work was completed by his son Val A. Browning.[1] The Superposed introduced a wide variety of innovations including the single select trigger and over-under design. This design was considered revolutionary in the 1930s, but it was later found that Browning had already made a model of this design in the 1880s.[citation needed]” This is one of the most beautifully preserved 1970’s Superposed shotguns to come through the shop. it was engraved by masters A. Godimus and Rene Dewil of the famous Fabrique Nationale factory in Belgium. The Midas Grade engraving and gold sculpting is beyond words, the fancy extra burl stocks have tight fit to the metal and there are no major marks to speak of. In this condition, EVERY Browning collector is going to take interest. Please see our pictures and good luck.