Browning Superposed Grade I Magnum

Browning Superposed Magnum Grade I O/U
Shotgun
12 Gauge Magnum | 1954 | Belgian-Made | 30" Barrels | 3" Chambers | With Original Tolex Case
Serial No. 42482
A Rare 1954 Belgian Browning Superposed Magnum — Full-House Field Gun at Its Finest
Specifications
Gauge: 12 Gauge Magnum
Chambers: 3" (Magnum)
Barrels: 30" with Raised Rib
Chokes: Full — Upper Barrel / Modified — Lower Barrel (Fixed)
Action: Boxlock, Single Selective Trigger, Automatic Ejectors
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Manufactured By: Fabrique Nationale, Herstal, Belgium
The History Behind This Shotgun
The Browning Superposed stands as the final legacy of John Moses Browning — creator of the Winchester
lever-action rifles, the Colt 1911, and the Browning Auto-5. Browning began designing the Superposed in 1922
with the goal of delivering a high-quality over/under shotgun to the American sportsman at a price he could afford,
competing with expensive European guns that only the wealthy could buy.
John Browning died in 1926 at the FN factory before finishing the work. His son Val Allen Browning completed the
design, perfecting the single selective trigger mechanism, and Fabrique Nationale began production in 1931. The
Superposed introduced American shooters to selective automatic ejectors, a ventilated rib sighting plane, and the
inertia-operated single trigger — all on one gun.
After World War II — during which the FN factory was occupied by the Germans and later damaged by V-1 rocket
attacks — production resumed in 1948. The early 1950s marked what many collectors call the golden era of the
Superposed, and this 1954 Magnum was built squarely in the middle of it. The 12-gauge Magnum, chambered for
3" shells, was among the specialty models introduced during this landmark decade, purpose-built for waterfowlers
and big-field hunters needing extra reach and power.
Every Superposed produced during this era was hand-engraved by Belgian craftsmen at FN. The massive
boxlock receiver features full-length barrels with integral tandem lumps, locked by an under-bolt that has been
trusted by hunters and competitors for generations. By the close of the decade, FN had built over 86,000
Superposed shotguns — cementing its place as the defining over/under of the 20th century and the direct
ancestor of the Browning Citori.
Condition
Professionally appraised at 95% condition per the Blue Book of Gun Values, 44th Edition, with an assessed
value of approximately $1,250. This is an outstanding example of a 72-year-old field gun. The gun is fully
functional — all systems including ejectors/extractors, firing pins, safety/barrel selector, and lockup have been
tested and operate correctly. Both bores are bright with no pitting.
Cosmetically: only minor corrosion on the takedown lever and surrounding framework; very minor corrosion on the
right side of the upper barrel near the muzzle; minor finish wear on both sides of the stock with small scratches; a
small ding on the underside of the forend — all consistent with a well-cared-for working gun of this age. Would
benefit from a cleaning and lubrication service.
The Case
The shotgun is accompanied by a Browning Tolex hard case that appears to be original to the firearm,
featuring the blue velvet lining characteristic of original Browning cases of this era. The case shows wear
consistent with 72 years of storage and transport but remains in good overall condition. The appraiser estimates
$300–$400 of added value for the original matching case.
Summary
• Professionally appraised — 95% condition, Blue Book value ~$1,250
• Fully functional — all systems tested and operational
• Both bores bright, no pitting — outstanding for a 1954 gun
• Rare 12ga Magnum variant — 3" chambers, 30" barrels
• Golden-era (1954) Belgian FN manufacture — widely considered the finest production period
• Hand-engraved receiver, Grade I presentation
• Includes original Browning Tolex hard case (valued at $300–$400)
Asking Price: $1,650
Includes Original Browning Tolex Hard Case