Browning Superposed Diana Grade Skeet 12GA 28” O/U Shotgun 1963 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,062.00
LSB#: LSB250520NP069
Make: Browning
Model: Diana Grade Superposed Skeet
Serial Number: 14738 S3
Year of Manufacture: 1963 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and single selective inertial trigger. The safety does not automatically re-set.
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side of the barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL-12GA.-SHELLS 2 3/4” / PATENTS NO 2.203.378-2.233.86”. On the take down level for the non removable forend “14738S” and “B8”. On the locking tab “14738S3”. On the left side just in front of the chambers both barrels are marked with proof marks. The left side of the Monoblock is marked “14738 S3” and two stars $ for the top barrel and 2 stars $ for the bottom barrel. There are also several more proofs on the underside of the block. The ejectors are labeled “O” and “U”. The top of the tang is marked “14738 S3”. The safety selector is marked “S U O”. The buttpad is marked “BROWNING”. The left side of the receiver is also signed by “R.DEWIL”.
Barrel Length: 28” Vented Rib.
Choke: Fixed Skeet over Skeet.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a large white bead affixed to the front of the rib. There is also a smaller white 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 prince of wales grip, fluted straight comb, with a brown ventilated Browning buttpad. The forend is a round profile forend. The forend is the Superposed non removable style forend. The LOP measures 14.5” from the trigger to the rear of the buttpad. The cast is about neutral, the drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2.5”. The wood shows handling with hairline surface level scratches scattered throughout. There is a notable scratch on the left side rear of the forend and a notable compression on the right side of the flank of the stock. There are no visible chips or cracks. The buttpad shows almost no wear and is still soft and supple. Overall the furniture set is in Very Good+ to about Excellent condition.
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 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrels show some minor scattered marks and handling and of course the characteristic rub mark from the forend. The receiver shows some minor discoloration from age. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp overall the shotgun is in Very Good+ to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The shotgun features a single selective inertial 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 1963 Browning Superposed Diana Grade Skeet shotgun in 12 gauge is a stunning example of Belgian artistry and John Browning’s final design legacy. This model features 28″ barrels, ideal for skeet shooting, delivering fast handling and wide, forgiving shot patterns. Its high-grade walnut stock showcases deep figure and is shaped in the elegant Prince of Wales grip, complemented by a rounded forend, both finely checkered for control and style. The balance between form and function is exceptional, giving the shooter a smooth, intuitive swing and consistent mount.
The real highlight of this Diana Grade lies in the hand engraving, and this example is particularly special as it was engraved by master artisan René DeWil, one of the most respected engravers in Browning’s workshop from 1950 to 1980. His work on this shotgun features rabbits, pheasants, grouse, and ducks, rendered in detailed relief across the silver-finished receiver. The Diana Grade sits near the top of the Superposed hierarchy as a tribute to Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt. Each one was individually engraved by Browning’s elite team, with no two quite the same. The combination of functional excellence and artistic craftsmanship has made Diana Grade Superposeds true collector’s pieces and treasured heirlooms. 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.
