Browning Superposed Pigeon Grade 26.5” 20GA 3″ MOD/IC Engraved 1967 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4,562.00

LSB#: LSB250520NP072

Make: Browning

Model: Superposed Pigeon Grade

Serial Number: 46502 V7

Year of Manufacture: 1967 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” and 3” 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 MO & MONTREAL PQ. MADE IN BELGIUM”.  The right side of the barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL-20GA-SHELLS 2 ¾” AND 3” PATENTS No 2.203.378-2.233861”. The left side of the monobloc is marked “46502V7” and “**/**-”, also several proofs. The forend mounting metal is marked and tabs are marked with the serial number. The top tang is marked “46502 V7”, the water table is marked with a Belgian proof and an inspector’s mark. The receiver has Pigeon Grade engraving.  

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 plastic buttpad. The LOP measures 14.25” from the trigger to the rear of the buttpad. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2.25”. The cast is slightly left handed. The shotgun weighs 6lbs, 6oz. The high gloss finish shows moderate crazing throughout. The left rear edge of the forend on the belly has a small chip. There are no visible cracks in the wood. In this writer’s opinion I see no evidence of salt wood. The rest of the wood shows only light wear with some small scattered marks. Overall the wood is in Very Good to Very 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 plastic fouling in the bores. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.  

Overall Condition:  This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is light finish wear on the edges of the muzzle and what appears to be discoloration on the underside of the rib. The lower barrel has some rub wear from the non removable forend and some scattered minor marks. The screwheads are sharp and the pinheads are clean. About mid way on the lower barrel there is a semi-circle scratch. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very 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 1967 Browning Superposed Pigeon Grade is a fine example of Belgian craftsmanship and one of the last great John M. Browning shotgun designs. This particular model features 26.5″ barrels choked modified over improved cylinder, an ideal combination for sporting clays and upland game alike. The stock has a left-hand cast, catering to left-handed shooters, and is styled with 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.