Browning Superposed 20 – GRADE II (PIGEON), 1958, FUNKEN

The Browning Superposed was the first prominent over/under introduced to the USA.  Beginning in 1931, the Superposed action has been used in the field and at gun clubs with over 93 years of proven, rock-solid performance.  These are Belgium made, hand-fitted, quality guns made one at a time by skilled craftsman that are a dying breed.  This fine Grade II (called the Pigeon Grade after 1959) Superposed 20 gauge, sn12508 built in 1958, is a high condition, factory original gun with the most desirable features, including DOUBLE SIGNED BY FELIX FUNKEN, THE HEAD OF THE ENGRAVING DEPARTMENT FOR BROWNING SUPERPOSED GUNS.  The 1950’s was a very desirable era for the Browning Superposed and guns from this era bring a premium, are quite liquid, and make for the best investment grade Belgium Superposed guns you can buy in the 20ga. guns.  As you compare this gun to others, keep in mind that the most desirable Superposed guns are the long tang, round knob guns like this one.  This beautiful Grade II is just as it shipped from the factory and retains most all its factory finish with the factory barrel blue a solid 99%, action and trigger guard retain factory 95% French grey; and the wood has 97% factory hand-rubbed varnish finish with a few light handling marks in the well-figured French walnut stocks. The checkering is perfect, no cracks or gouges, and the stock retains the original 14 7/16” LOP to the curved factory buttplate, another strong point for this gun.  Browning Superposed guns with pads are much less desirable and make poor investments. The most desirable 28” barrels are choked M/F and with the 3” chambers make for a very versatile upland gun capable of smacking big roosters at a distance.  The Grade II came from the factory with hand cut engraving, deep chiseled oak leaf engraving in the top of the action, pigeons in flight, and nice floral bouquets on the bottom, and on this gun performed by the renowned Felix Funkin.  Guns built after 1965 were prone to salt contamination and rust because of the manner which Browning cured their wood.  The marketplace has an aversion to the later guns with short tangs and/or square knob pistol grips.  The early guns like this one are highly sought after and rarely encountered in such unmolested, high condition.  The value of these earlier Superposed guns continues to climb, so you can invest in this gun and enjoy its use as it gains value.  The price of this gun reflects its rarity and having all the most important features, ie pre-1960, butt plate, light weight, superior wood figure, long tang round knob with field style forend, and original condition.  A premium gun at a fair price.  The specifications are below.  Thanks for looking!