Beautiful 1959 Funken engraved 26" Diana Grade Browning Superposed 20 Ga. O/U Over Under Shotgun
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 a post-war FN produced Diana Grade from 1959, in about excellent condition, retaining about 99% of its metal finish. Only sixty five of these were made in Diana Grade! The barrels are 26.5" vent ribbed and choked Improved Cylinder over 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 master engraver Funken. This a beautiful shotgun and would be a fantastic addition for anyone who fancies themselves a true collector. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning
Model: Superposed Diana Grade
Serial Number: 14582
Year of Manufacture: 1959 (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 "14582". There are proofs on the water table. The receiver has Diana Grade engraving done by master engraver Funken. The receiver has scroll relief engraving with game scenes. Both sides of the receiver are signed "Funken". The left of the top barrel is marked "BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / SPECIAL STEEL - 20 GA - SHELLS 2 3/4" AND 3" . The right side of the top barrel is marked "PATENTS No 2.203.378 – 2.233.861 / MADE IN BELGIUM". At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked "**-" and the bottom barrel is marked "**S" and 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 Improved Cylinder over Skeet
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a plastic bead at the muzzle. There is a white plastic alignment bead midrib. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lbs. 6.3 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and a hard rubber Browning buttplate. The wood is beautiful showing no significant wear or damage. 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 buttplate, which shows some faint discoloration but no significant imperfections. The drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2" and the drop at heel is approximately 2 1/8". The cast is neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about 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 99% of its metal finish. There are some faint handling marks but no significant wear or damage. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly used with strong slots. Overall, this shotgun is in about excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The safety does NOT set automatically when the action is opened. 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: A hard Browning "suitcase" and paperwork including the manual are included.
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO
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