
FN Browning Superposed Diana Grade 20 GA Over Under Shotgun, MFD 1967 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5200.93
LSB#: 230623RK001
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning
Model: Superposed Diana Grade
Serial Number: 43877V7
Year of Manufacture: 1967 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 20 Gauge 2 3/4″ & 3” Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Inertia Trigger.
Markings: The right of the forend latch, the latch spring-loaded release, and the cocking lever lifter are all marked with the serial number. The top tang is marked “43877 V7”. There are proofs on the water table. The receiver has Diana Grade engraving done by engraver R. Greco. The receiver has scroll relief engraving with game scenes. Both sides of the receiver are signed “R. GRECO”. The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side of the top barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL – 20GA – SHELLS 2 3/4” AND 3” / PATENTS No 2.203.378 – 2.233.861”. At the breech on the left, both barrels are marked “**$” 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. The rib is cracked at the rear.
Choke: Fixed Skeet over Skeet
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel bead at the muzzle and there is a smaller white mid bead. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction. The rib is cracked at the rear and is slightly shifted upward, interrupting the line of sight.
Weight: 6 lbs. 6.9 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 two faint hairline cracks on the top of the wrist at the rear of the tang. Otherwise, there are only some infrequently scattered faint marks. There are some light handling marks. The checkering is mostly strong and intact with a few faint nicks throughout. The LOP measures 14 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the LimbSaver buttpad and 13 7/8″ 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 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 95% 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 are some spots of discoloration on the bright portions at the muzzles. 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 Very Good condition and would rate higher if not for the crack in the rib.
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 Very Good condition, retaining about 95% of its metal finish. Only sixty five of these were made in Diana Grade! The barrels are 28″ vent ribbed and choked Skeet. Unfortunately, there is a crack at the rear of the rib. 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 R. Greco. Diana grade guns were only allowed to be engraved by the best artisans employed. Despite the damaged rib, 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
