Browning Superposed First Production Run 12GA 30” O/U Shotgun 1930s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB250807EM024
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed
Serial Number: 1061, all the serialized parts match.
Year of Manufacture: 1931-1939 covers serial numbers 1-17000 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2¾ ” Shells
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and “Y” style Single selective inertial trigger.
Barrel Length: 30” Vented Rib.
Choke: The barrels are marked FULL over Improved Modified. According to our gauge the bores are closer to FULL/FULL.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a simple rounded metal post fixed to the “NON-Crossfire” rib that is marked “BROWNING Superposed”. The rib also has a smaller mid bead. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two-piece smooth walnut set. The stock is a prince of wales style with fluted straight comb, and a White Line rubber vented butt pad. The forend is a slab side Superposed style non removable forend. The length of pull is 14.25” but the stock has been cut down then the spacers and pad were added. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2”. The cast is right handed. The shotgun weighs 8lbs. The wood has been sanded down and refinished. The wood shows scattered lines, compressions and minor rub marks throughout. The forend shows several cracks forming from the connection to the receiver. The stock shows several small cracks forming from the end of the upper tang. The butt pad shows rub wear and marks from age. The butt pad is mostly soft and pliable. The spacers sit flush to the wood. Overall this furniture set is in about Fair+ to Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, and the receiver has had the pigeon engraving by R.R. Bruere has been added.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are bright showing lines from use and minor plastic fouling in the forcing cones. The bores show minor pitting mainly in the upper barrel just past the forcing cone. The chambers show rust and minor pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 6/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The barrel set shows nicks and scattered marks throughout. The barrel set also shows surface rust freckling forming. Towards the muzzles there is a repair to the rib between the barrels where it looks like it separated and was re-soldered back together. The first segment of the rib has a dent in it. The tang shows the usual rub wear under the safety. The inside of the action shows rub wear and some minor pitting on the breach face. The action operates smoothly. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this shotgun is in about Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The shotgun features a single selective trigger. The forend is the Browning Non removable style forend. There is zero movement between the barrels and frame. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This Browning Superposed 12 gauge from the 1930s is a rare example of the first production run of what would become one of the most famous and sought after shotgun designs of all time. Designed by the legendary John Moses Browning and completed by his son Val Browning after his death. As one of the last designs John Browning personally worked on, the Superposed is deeply respected for its elegant lines, robust engineering, and smooth handling characteristics. This particular model features 30 inch barrels with fixed chokes, FULL over Improved Modified, a classic combination that offers effective patterns for flushing birds and trap. The 2 3/4″ chambers make it ideal for standard game loads and clay shooting, reflecting the norms of the time before 3″ magnum shells became widespread.
The walnut furniture is a hallmark of the Superposed; this example includes the graceful Prince of Wales grip, a semi-pistol grip that blends control with elegant styling. The result is a shotgun that shoulders naturally, balances well, and carries with the dignity of a fine European-inspired sporting arm. Field Grade models like this were the more “affordable” version of the Superposed selling originally in the 1930s for just over 100$. This model had two upgrades added, the first is the single selective trigger, an option but not standard at the time. Also the NON-Crossfire rib designed to help the dominant eye pick up the sighting plane faster and according to Browning would add clays to any man’s trap score. Made in Belgium at FN’s Herstal factory, this 1930s first production run Superposed is an enduring symbol of Browning’s genius and a rare find. An opportunity for the Superposed collector to own one of the first 1,100 superposed shotguns ever crafted. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
