Browning Superposed Grade I

Browning Superposed Grade I O/U Shotgun
12 Gauge | 1950 | Belgian-Made | 26½" Barrels |With Hartman Airways Case
Serial No. 20619
A True Golden-Era Belgian Browning — The Gun That Defined the American Over/Under
Specifications
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Chambers: 2¾"
Barrels: 26½" with Ventilated Rib
Chokes: Both Barrels — Modified (Fixed)
Action: Boxlock, Single Selective Trigger, Automatic Ejectors
Year of Manufacture: 1950
Manufactured By: Fabrique Nationale, Herstal, Belgium
The History Behind This Shotgun
The Browning Superposed is the final masterwork of John Moses Browning — the most prolific firearms designer
in American history. Browning began sketching the design in 1922, envisioning a high-quality, affordable
over/under shotgun for the American sportsman. He died in 1926 at the FN factory before the design was
complete, and the task fell to his son Val Allen Browning, who perfected the gun's hallmark single selective trigger
and brought it to market in 1931.
Production was interrupted by World War II when the Germans occupied the FN factory. After liberation, the
factory was damaged by V-1 rocket attacks. Superposed production resumed in the rebuilt facility in 1948, and by
the early 1950s — the exact era this gun was made — the Superposed had hit its stride.
Many collectors and historians consider the 1950s to be the peak quality era for the Browning Superposed. The
guns of this period were beautifully fitted and finished, with every receiver hand-engraved by Belgian craftsmen at
FN. The post-war American market was hungry for quality, the Superposed had the field essentially to itself, and
Browning did not cut corners. This gun is a product of that era.
By the end of the 1950s, FN had produced over 86,000 Superposed shotguns — the majority sold in the United
States — and these Belgian-made guns became the aspirational firearm of a generation of American
wingshooters and clay target competitors.
Condition
Professionally appraised at 85% condition per the Blue Book of Gun Values, 44th Edition, with an assessed
value of approximately $1,000. The gun is fully functional — all systems including ejectors/extractors, firing pins,
safety/barrel selector, and lockup have been tested and operate correctly. The bores are bright with no pitting.
Cosmetically: wear marks on barrels forward of the forend consistent with normal use; minor corrosion on
extractors, ejector cocking arms, and breech area; corrosion on takedown lever. Bluing shows significant wear on
trigger and underside of trigger guard; stock has lost high luster on the right side with small scratches. Would
benefit from a cleaning and lubrication service.
The Case
Includes a Browning Hartman style Airways carry case — a period accessory sold by Browning in the
1960s–1980s, identifiable by its all-vinyl handle. While not original to this firearm, it is a correct-era Browning
accessory. Similar cases sell on eBay in the $200–$300 range.
Summary
• Professionally appraised — 85% condition, Blue Book value ~$1,000
• Fully functional — all systems tested and operational
• Bright bores, no pitting
• Golden-era (1950) Belgian FN manufacture — widely considered the finest production period
• Hand-engraved receiver, classic Grade I presentation
• Includes period Browning Hartman Airways carry case (valued at $200–$300 separately)
Asking Price: $1,350
Includes Hartman Airways Case