Browning Superposed Field Grade 12GA 28” O/U Shotgun C&R MFD 1957
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: WY250321MC003
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Field Grade
Serial Number: 56307
Year of Manufacture: 1957 (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 Single selective inertial trigger.
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY_ St LOUIS, MISSOURI / SPECIAL STEEL-12GA-SHELLS 2 ¾””. The right side of the barrel is marked “PATENTS NO 2.203.378-2.233.861 / MADE IN BELGIUM”. On the take down level for the non removable forend “56307 / R2 / R7”. On the inside of the take down recess is stamped with proofs. The guide is marked “56307”. On the left side just in front of the chambers both barrels are marked “12-70” with proof marks. The left side of the Monoblock is marked “56307” and one star for the top barrel and 2 stars for the bottom barrel. There are also several more proofs on the right and underside of the block. The bottom of the receiver is marked “BROWNING” With a Circle R and the Engraved profile of John M. Browning, the inside of the receiver on the floor there are also several proofs, The top of the tang is marked “56307”. The safety selector is marked “S U O”. The buttpad is marked “Pachmayr”.
Barrel Length: 28” Vented 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 walnut set. The stock is a prince of wales style with a round bottom semi pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a Pachmayr Vented rubber buttpad. There are light compressions and scratches throughout the stock but no chips or cracks. The butt pad is still pliable. The length of pull is 14.25”. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2.5”. The cast is essentially neutral. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 12 OZ. The forend in the rounded traditional style Superposed non removable forend. The forend has some scattered very minor lines. The checkering is Semi-smooth in some areas and defined in others. Overall, the furniture is in Very Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with barely visible lines from use, no visible plastic fouling and no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The receiver shows thinning finish and some scattered minor surface oxidation in the engraving. The majority of the finish loss is on the lower tang. The barrel set shows some light scattered marks and lines with a few very small patches of oxidation. The lower barrel shows the typical rub mark from the non removable forend and the upper tang shows the usually thinning under the safety. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. The bores are awesome for a gun of this age. Overall this shotgun is in 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: None.
Our Assessment: This Browning Superposed Field Grade 12 gauge from 1957 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 28 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 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’s beauty, 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. Field Grade 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 1957 Superposed is both a shooter and a collectible, 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.
