Browning Superposed 30″ 12 GA 3″ Magnum O/U Shotgun FULL/MOD 1955 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,500.00
LSB#: LSB260705SO013
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Magnum
Serial Number: 43137, all the serialized parts match.
Year of Manufacture: 1955 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2.75″ and 3″ Shells
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and Single selective inertial trigger.
Barrel Length: 30″ low Rib.
Choke: Fixed Full over Modified.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver bead fixed to the rib. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two-piece checkered high gloss walnut set. The stock is a prince of wales style with a round bottom semi pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a Browning vented rubber butt pad. The forend is the rounded traditional style Superposed non removable forend. The length of pull is 14.25″. The drop at comb is 1.5″ and the drop at heel is 2.25″. The cast is right handed. The shotgun weighs 8lbs. The wood shows a few very minor compressions and surface level lines. There are no cracks. The forend has a small impact mark next to the metal. The left side leading top edge of the stock shows a very small chip in the gloss finish. the butt pad is pliable. Overall this furniture set is in about Very Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with minor lines from use and plastic fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The lower barrel shows a very faint rub mark from the forend. The forend tab show some very minor freckling. The trigger shows a little bit of finish loss. The muzzle edges show some very light finish loss. The safety shows some finish loss and the upper tang shows loss from the safety. The markings are clear and the pins un-marred. Overall this shotgun is in about 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 receiver. 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: zipper case.
Our Assessment: This Browning Superposed Magnum 12 gauge from 1955 is a fine example of mid-20th-century shotgun craftsmanship, 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 modified, a classic upland and waterfowl combination that offers tight, effective patterns for everything from flushing pheasants to longer shots over decoys. The 3″ chambers allow for the use of magnum loads taking full advantage of the choke and barrel configuration for bird hunting.
The walnut furniture is a hallmark of the Superposed, hand-checkered and richly finished, and 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. Models like this were the more “affordable” version of the Superposed, but even so, they carried fit and finish well beyond most production shotguns of the era. Made in Belgium at FN’s Herstal factory, this 1955 Superposed is an enduring symbol of Browning’s genius and the post-war golden era of sporting arms. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.