Browning Superposed Diana Grade 12GA & Briley 28GA Tubes O/U Shotgun C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,202.00
LSB#: LSB250902JM019
Make: Browning
Model: Diana Grade Superposed
Serial Number: 15083 S73, all serialized parts match including the Briley Tubes.
Year of Manufacture: 1973 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge 2.75” and 3” Shells, 28 Gauge 2.75”.
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and single selective mechanical trigger this was most likely done to be compatible with 28 gauge. The safety does not automatically re-set. The forend is the non removable Superposed style forend.
Barrel Length: 30” Ported. The tubes are just shy of 30”.
Choke: This shotgun has been modified by Briley to accept their thin wall chokes. Currently installed with Steel Shot okay Skeet/Skeet. Also includes Steel shot okay Improved Cylinder, 2 x Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. 7x 12 gauge chokes total. The 28 gauge tubes have one Improved Cylinder Choke each. 2 total 28 gauge chokes.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a large silver bead affixed to the front of the rib. There is also a smaller silver mid bead. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The high grade wood furniture is a two-piece checkered walnut set. The stock is a checkered semi pistol grip, fluted straight comb, with a kick EEZ butt pad. The forend is a round profile forend. The forend is the Superposed non removable style forend. The LOP measures 14.25” from the trigger to the rear of the butt pad. The cast is neutral, the drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2.25”. The wood shows light scattered handling wear and wear from use. The left side of the forend has a crack running along the lower left edge. The wood has some very minor scattered compressions. There are several small chips in the gloss finish on the belly of the stock. The rubber butt pad shows some discoloration from use however it is still soft and pliable. The wood furniture would rate in Very Good+ condition if not for the crack in the forend.
Type of Finish: Blued barrels, coin receiver and gold toned trigger.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are very bright with no erosion. There are some lines from use and moderate visible plastic fouling in the forcing cones. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.25/10. The tubes are in similar condition showing less fouling and less lines from use. The tubes rate 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrel set shows some finish thinning and handling throughout with notable finish thinning at the muzzle. The lower barrel shows the signature Superposed rub mark from the forend. The top of the trigger shows finish loss from use. The coin finish on the receiver shows some spots of discoloration from age and oil. The inside of the action and sides of the bloc show some rub wear from use. The action is smooth. The markings are mostly clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this shotgun is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The shotgun features a single selective mechanical 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: This shotgun includes the chokes mentioned above in a choke case, the two 28 gauge tubes, and a Browning Luggage style case.
Our Assessment: This 1973 Browning Superposed Diana Grade is an exceptional example of high-art Belgian craftsmanship, engraved by the legendary Angelo Bee and showcasing the deep, flowing game scenes and fine scrollwork that define the Diana Grade as one of Browning’s most beautiful offerings. The 30-inch barrels have been ported and professionally threaded for Briley thin-wall chokes, and the gun includes a full set of Briley 28-gauge tubes. Briley also upgraded the shotgun with a mechanical trigger, an essential modification for reliable operation with sub-gauge tubes, and added a mid-bead to complete the rib’s sight picture. The result is a Superposed that blends elegance with modern competition practicality.
Angelo Bee’s engraving elevates this Diana far beyond standard production, with deeply cut, highly detailed scenes that give the gun both artistic presence and strong collector appeal. Combined with the tasteful custom work, this shotgun delivers the best of both worlds: a visually stunning, high-grade Superposed and a fully capable clays or field platform with adaptable chokes and 28-gauge capability. It’s a beautifully executed, tastefully enhanced Diana Grade that stands out in any collection. This is not just a shotgun but a work of art that also breaks clays. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
