Browning Superposed First Production Run Pre War 12 GA O/U Shotgun 1932 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,161.00
LSB#: LSB260509TW067
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed, Field Model “C” stamped upper tang.
Serial Number: 3401 C, all the serialized parts match.
Year of Manufacture: 1932 based off sales records-Ned Schwing
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2.75″ Shells
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and Single selective inertial trigger. The safety does not automatically reset.
Barrel Length: 30″ Vented Rib.
Choke: The barrels are marked FULL over FULL. Verified with our choke gauge.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small silver bead affixed to the front of the checkered rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two-piece checkered walnut set. The stock is a Prince of Wales style with fluted straight comb, and an oversized Decelerator rubber butt pad. The forend is a slab side Superposed style non removable forend with metal nose cap. Upon inspection is appears this is a replacement sock with the original forend. The length of pull is 14″ this is a replacement butt pad. The drop at comb is 1.5″ and the drop at heel is 2.25″. The cast is neutral. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 9oz. The wood shows scattered surface level lines and small compressions. The forend shows a small crack forming on the bottom and on the left flank at the rear edge. The rear left tip of the forend shows a small chip. The butt pad shows only minor handling and is soft and pliable. Overall the stock set is in about Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright and show no erosion or pitting. They show some very minor lines from use and some plastic fouling mainly in the upper barrel. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.25/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrel set shows minor nicks and scattered marks throughout. The lower barrel shows a barely visible rub mark from the forend. The monobloc shows some rub wear and discoloration from age. The upper tang shows rub wear from the safety. The trigger guard shows finish thinning and discoloration from age. There is finish missing from the lower tang that has turned brown with age. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this shotgun is in about Good+-Very Good 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: This shotgun includes a Browning luggage style case with two chamber mops.
Our Assessment: This Browning Superposed 12 gauge from 1932 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 Full, 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 has the upgraded single selective trigger which was an option and not standard at the time. Made in Belgium at FN’s Herstal factory, this 1932 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 3500 superposed shotguns ever crafted. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.