FN Browning Superposed Diana Grade 20 GA Over Under Shotgun, MFD 1967 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4625

LSB#: 230623RK002

Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning

Model: Superposed Diana Grade

Serial Number: 43879V7

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

Gauge: 20 Gauge 2 3/4″ & 3” Shells

Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Inertia Trigger.

Markings: The right of the forend latch, the latch spring-loaded release, and the cocking lever lifter are all marked with the serial number. The top tang is marked “43879 V7”. There are proofs on the water table. The receiver has Diana Grade engraving done by engraver L. Lambert. The receiver has scroll relief engraving with game scenes. Both sides of the receiver are signed “L. LAMBERT”. The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side of the top barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL – 20GA – SHELLS 2 3/4” AND 3” / PATENTS No 2.203.378 – 2.233.861”. At the breech on the left, both barrels are marked “**$” and the bottom chamber is marked with the serial number. There are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs.

Barrel Length: 26.5″ with a vent rib.

Choke: Fixed Skeet over Skeet

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel bead at the muzzle. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.

Weight: 6 lbs. 9.3 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and a LimbSaver buttpad. There are some tiny compressions and faint lines on the forearm. Otherwise, there are only some infrequently scattered faint handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the LimbSaver buttpad and 13 1/8″ to the wood. The drop at comb is approximately 1 7/16? and the drop at heel is approximately 2 1/8?. The pad has light wear. The cast is slightly off. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & French Gray

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The French gray portions have some areas of discoloration and oxidation, the most noticeable areas are on the trigger guard and safety. There are some light marks on the barrel set and light streaks of finish loss on the lower barrel at the rear from contact with the forearm. There is some faint thinning on the edges at the muzzles and rib. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly used with strong slots. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine-Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The safety does NOT set automatically when the action is opened but functions properly when manually set. The rib is cracked at the rear. 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: After the death of John Browning, his son Val would complete an over under shotgun with a single selective trigger and ejectors; the Superposed was introduced in 1931, it was an instant success; the factory did not produce any of these shotguns during WWII but just after the war ended, the factory came roaring back to life, creating some of their best product to date. This is a post-war FN produced Diana Grade from 1967, in about Fine-Plus condition, retaining about 95% of its metal finish. Only sixty five of these were made in Diana Grade! The barrels are 26.5″ vent ribbed and choked Skeet. The bores are bright and the mechanics are crisp over 50 years since this work of art left the factory. The engraving was done by L. Lambert. Diana grade guns were only allowed to be engraved by the best artisans employed. This is a beautiful shotgun and would be a fantastic addition for anyone who fancies themselves a true collector. Please see our photos and good luck!

-Greenfield