
FUNKEN Engraved Browning Superposed Grade V 12 Ga. Double Shotgun, 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5000
LSB#: 230511NF024
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Grade V Funken Engraved
Serial Number: 55943
Year of Manufacture: 1957 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 3? Magnum Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Inertial Trigger.
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY_ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI / SPECIAL STEEL – 12GA – CHAMBERED FOR 3” MAGNUM”, the right is marked with patents above “MADE IN BELGIUM”. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*”, the bottom “*-“, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “55943” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch, the latch spring-loaded release, and the cocking lever lifter are all marked “55943”. The top tang is marked “55943”. There are proofs on the left side of each barrel. The receiver has Grade V engraving by master engraver Felix Funken. The sides of the receiver have scroll engraving with dogs stocking waterfowl and the bottom has a varmint scene with scroll engraving. Both flanks are signed “FUNKEN” under the scenes.
Barrel Length: 30”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Fixed Full over Fixed Improved Modified
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an ivory bead at the front of the rib. There is another small alignment bead midrib. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 10.8 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with fleur de lis decorations, a capped pistol grip, straight comb, and an Old English buttpad. There is a thin crack on the top of the wrist extending from the upper tang. Otherwise, there are just a couple of faint lines and minor handling marks throughout. The checkering is very sharp. The LOP measures 13 5/8” & 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad and wood, respectively. The drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8″ and the drop at heel is approximately 2 1/16″. The pad has some scattered light wear. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition and would rate higher if not for the crack.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are somewhat bright. There is scattered erosion in the top barrel and the lower barrel shows streaks of fouling and has a bulge about 2” down from the muzzle that can be slightly felt from the outside.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 83% of its metal finish. There is some finish wear on the barrel set from assembly and disassembly and other areas of thinned finish along the upper barrel. There is an even layer of faint frost throughout the barrel set. There are also some scattered faint marks and light dings throughout the barrel set. There is thinning around the muzzles. The trigger also shows finish loss. There are some spots of light surface oxidation on the trigger guard and forend iron. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good 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. 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 Grade V 12 Gauge from 1957, in about Very good condition, retaining about 83% of its metal finish. This one has game scenes that were done by Master Engraver Felix Funken. Mr. Funken was active from 1926 to 1960 before he passed away in 1965. He was one of the original FN engravers and this was done at the height of his career. We do not typically see signatures on both sides of the receiver, so there is the possibility that Mr. Funken did the game scenes and an apprentice did the remaining coverage. No matter the case, this is a beautiful shotgun! There is some wear to the metal and wood but the action is still spot on and the trigger is crisp. Val’s SST is still known as one of the most reliable and ingenious of its kind, even though the patent is nearing 100 years in practice. With barrels choked Fixed Full over Fixed Improved Modified, this is going to make for a nice shotgun for the field or the range but is certainly worthy of a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
