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Browning Superposed Gr III 'Fighting Cocks'
Guns International #: 100775781 Seller's Inventory #: 53 Gr III
Category: Browning Belgium Shotguns - O/U Superposed Pointer - Browning Belgium Shotguns - O/U Superposed
Seller's Information
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Seller: Anatidae
Company: Private Seller
Member Since: 9/4/15
State: Mississippi
Country: United States
Number of Active Listings: 3
Total Number of Listings: 24
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: PayPal (for non-gun only), Certified check or Money Order
Description:
Made 1953 12ga 30” F/M (.031”/.022”) Gr III Trap model as so-described and authenticated by the Browning letter. 2-3/4" chambers. Double-signed 'Funken'. Single-selective trigger, ejectors. Weight: 8lbs 4oz. 1-11/16" DAH x 1-7/16" DAC x 14-3/8" LOP to correct Pachmayr Jumbo Trap recoil pad. All original and matching #'s (including wood) with original finishes except (from my experience): 1) forearm appears to be refinished and 2) gold trigger appears re-plated. Bores are clean and bright. Action is very tight. This gun is used showing various handling marks in the butt stock as expected in a 65 year-old 'high-grade' target model. Checkering and engraving is crisp and flawless. All metal finishes are excellent. Slight 'crazing' is apparent in the buttstock finish which authenticates its originality.
Commentary: (for what it's worth......)
For whatever reason, the majority of Gr III's on the market (at times) appear to be re-stocked or modified in some manner and are non-authentic nor all-original. Not all sellers volunteer (or 'know' in some cases) if an item is non-authentic or non-original in all aspects. For instance, there was a Gr III on the market that has an FN B2 forearm knuckle. Confirmation of 'all-matching numbers" would corraborate this (unless they have also been doctored), but photos were not provided and there was no reference in the description. Some sellers 'know' - but will just claim ignorance when confronted about such inconsistencies. So as a 'buyer' myself, I know it is ultimately my responsibility to confirm all the details. As a 'seller', I have attempted to accurately and honestly represent my items based on my current level of knowledge and experience with Superposed (both FN and Browning patterns) history and details. If you study (and/or collect) Gr III's you may know that each one tends to be unique. My interests change periodically, so I'm offering this example in hopes that someone else will also appreciate the uniqueness of its game scene renderings. Based on my study of the Gr III pattern and Browning history, I believe it was engraved by a very young Vrancken or Watrin during a period (1952-53) when demand for graded guns exceeded the FN engraving studio's production capacity (Funken being the only 'Master' at the time who could execute details to the 1950 'Engraved Models' catalog standard). Watrin and Vrancken both started in 1946 and they would have been the most-advanced by 1953 in a class including Rene' Dewill, and Marie Louise Magis.
If the Browning letter isn't enough to assure a potential buyer this is an authentic Gr III, I am aware of one other Gr III with the identical game scene layout, elements, and execution, just 8 digits above this serial number - it also letters as a Gr III 30" Trap model sold 5/29/53 to Haydon Hdwr, Lexington, KY. So, two documented Gr III examples. I have also confirmed another Gr III 30" Trap (#341xx) - the games scenes, layout, and execution is identical to #33455 and no-doubt by the same engraver. All 3 have the 'field' style fore end profile. Semi-beavertail 'trap' fore ends came-about around 1954-55. A 4th (and most recent) example to appear has very similar poses, layout, style and details and appears to be executed by the same engraver, but with 2 more years experience and development of his/her skills - being approximately 12000 digits above the other 3 1953 examples bearing very similar game scene details and style. Unfortunately, it is the one with the mis-matched FN B2 forearm knuckle. The scroll details are the same for the Gr III and 1950's FN B2 but the border on the B2 is a 'beaded' detail whereas the Gr III's border detail resembles the outline of a hog track.
If you're not interested in purchasing #33455, but have other insights about Gr III's (especially the unique variations), please use the e-mail feature below and contact me: - I would benefit from knowledgeable and like-minded aficionados' experience with these relatively-scarce and irreplaceable collectables from an era gone forever.
If you are interested in buying a Gr III but are not 'solid' in the details, I have studied many examples over several years (and the 1950's FN B2 which was the FN equivalent to the Browning Gr III), and may be able to save you some heartache. They are not all alike.
Transaction Details:
I will provide a mailing address for funds and FFL copy once buyer notifies me and commits to purchase. Buyer pays $75 shipping and insurance costs (UPS Ground) to lower 48. No International shipments. Payment by Personal Check, Certified Check, or Money Order. 7-day waiting/clearance period applies to all except Postal Money Orders. Enclose a copy of the transferring dealer/agent's FFL with payment or have your FFL holder e-mail one directly to me. 3-day non-shooting, non-disassembly inspection. Gun does not leave the receiving FFL until either transferred to the new owner or returned via that FFL. If you are not satisfied with the item as priced, just notify me and I will provide a return FFL. Return item in the same condition and as packaged and insured for purchase amount to my FFL holder. I will re-inspect the item and refund the sale price less my initial shipping and insurance costs plus $25 re-transfer fees (basically $100). Feel free to ask questions and request photos of specific views via e-mail feature below. Thank You for your interest and Please check my other Superposed listings. References available. 'Happy Hunting'!
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes