Browning Superposed First Production Run 12GA 32” O/U Shotgun 1930s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,750.00
LSB#: LSB251013LB006
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed
Serial Number: 5115P, all the serialized parts match. However the barrels themselves are not marked with a serial number.
Year of Manufacture: 1931-1939 covers serial numbers 1-17000 (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 tang mounted safety. The shotgun has an inertial trigger. The barrel elector is a switch located on the bottom of the receiver next to the trigger
Barrel Length: 32” Vented Rib.
Choke: The barrels are marked FULL over Improved Modified. Our choke gauge shows full over improved mod.
Sights / Optics: The front sight has been replaced with a Browning Litepipe front sight with a Green fiber optic insert. The rib is marked “BROWNING Superposed”. There is checkering to reduce glare.
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. The length of pull is 13.75” this is a replacement butt pad. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 1.5”. The cast is neutral. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 14oz. The wood shows scattered lines, compressions and rub marks throughout. The left side of the forend has a crack coming from the receiver. The wood shows no chips. The butt pad sits slightly proud over the wood. Overall the stock set is in Fair+-Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished. The barrel set appears to have been treated in small spots with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright and show no erosion or pitting. They show some very minor lines from use and some very minor plastic fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.25/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The barrel set shows minor nicks and scattered marks throughout. The barrels also show the mentioned cold blue. There is some very faint rust freckling on the barrel set. The receiver and monobloc show rub wear from use. The receiver shows finish thinning and discoloration from age. There is finish missing from the lower tang and the forend tab. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this shotgun is in about 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 12 gauge from the 1930s 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 32 inch barrels with fixed chokes, FULL over Improved Modified, 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 had two upgrades added, the first is the single selective trigger, an option but not standard at the time. Also the NON-Crossfire rib designed to help the dominant eye pick up the sighting plane faster and according to Browning would add clays to any man’s trap score. Made in Belgium at FN’s Herstal factory, this 1930s 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 6000 superposed shotguns ever crafted. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
