Browning Superposed Pigeon Grade 26.5” 12GA MOD/IC Engraved 1954 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: LSB250807EM027
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Pigeon Grade
Serial Number: 38271, all serialized parts match.
Year of Manufacture: 1954 (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.
Barrel Length: 26.5” Vent rib barrel.
Choke: Fixed Mod/IC
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 finish walnut. The stock is a prince of wales grip, fluted straight comb, with black rubber butt pad. The LOP measures 14” from the trigger to the rear of the 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 high gloss finish shows minor crazing throughout. With finish peeling, chips in the edges of the high gloss finish, scratches, and compressions. The most notable marks are the large scratch on the left flank of the stock, and the chips around the edges of the butt where the wood meets the pad. I presume those chips are from the stock being cut down. The butt pad is pliable and shows very little wear. Overall the wood is in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & French Grey (Coin) finish.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion. They do show some lines from use with some minor plastic fouling in the bores. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.25/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The lower barrel has some rub wear from the non removable forend. The lower barrel has a notable patch of minor marks around the barrel about 3-5” back from the muzzle. The friction surfaces of the inside of the action show some rub wear. There is some rub wear around the safety. The trigger has lost a lot of its finish. The lower tang shows discoloration from use. The screwheads are sharp and the pinheads are clean. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Good+ condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. 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 1965 Browning Superposed Pigeon Grade is a fine example of Belgian craftsmanship and one of the last great John M. Browning shotgun designs. This particular 12GA model features 26.5″ barrels choked modified over improved cylinder, an ideal combination for sporting clays and upland game alike. The stock has a Prince of Wales grip, blending comfort with quick handling. The round-profile, non-removable forend adds a sleek and traditional feel, enhancing the balance and pointability of this already nimble shotgun.
As a Pigeon Grade, this Superposed was hand-engraved by Belgian artisans, showcasing detailed game scenes with scrollwork and fine borders, all done in deep relief. These shotguns were not mass-produced in the modern sense; each one represented hours of skilled labor, and engravers often signed their work. The Superposed line began production in 1931 and continued in Belgium until 1976, when cost constraints shifted Browning’s higher-volume production elsewhere. However, the Pigeon Grades and higher-end variants remained symbols of luxury, performance, and Browning’s enduring legacy in over/under shotgun design. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding.-R.L.
