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1948 Special Order 12ga Browning Superposed 2-bbl set in pre-war FN B2 pattern
Guns International #: 102751884 Seller's Inventory #: 48SOB2
Category: Browning Belgium Shotguns - O/U Superposed - FN Shotguns
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Anatidae
Company: Private Seller
Member Since: 9/4/15
State: Mississippi
Country: United States
Number of Active Listings: 4
Total Number of Listings: 37
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:
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This gun was on display at the Black Prairie Helice 2-day Event - 7/19 - 7/20/24.
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Serial Number: 17116. Barrels: Set 1 (original - proof-dated α for 1948) 26½” 2¾” chambers (proofed 12/70) choked IC-M w/ 'Field'-style forearm, 7lbs 0oz. Set 2 (added in 1956, proof-dated ξ ): 28” proofed 12/75 and marked “Chambered for 3” Magnum” choked IM-F w/ 'Trap'-style forearm, 7lbs 14oz. Dimensions: 1-5/8 DAC 2-3/8 DAH 14¾ LOP to its Pachmayr Jumbo Trap Recoil Pad. Wood Condition: original and 92% - 95%. Metal Condition: original and 97%
Special factory features or requests:
- Special engraving reminescent of pre-war FN B2 Pattern (game scene in oval border)
- Subject matter 'Ducks and Pheasants' (similar to pre-war FN B2, pre-war Diana version III, & Bondi & Sons 'Grade III') This post-war example is more refined and elegant than the crudely engraved 'Bondi' standards.
- ¾" gold oval initial plate in bottom of stock near toe (no initials)
- returned to FN and fit with 2nd set of barrels, forearm, and engraving to match
- ‘Period-correct’ BrowninG Tolex 2-bbl case, likely purchased after the 1956 extra barrel set #2 was added.
Provenance:
Special Order 12ga sn 17116 is featured in the first color plates section (page 102) in Ned Schwnig's book, The Browning Superposed, John M. Browning's Last Legacy. It was formerly in Dick Spurzem's Collection. I purchased this piece on December 27, 2014. In my email correspondence with Mr Spurzem (March 1, 2015) he said he thought I knew as much about this gun as he did – a very high compliment from a mentor, and recipient of acknowledgements (Schwing page 12) for his "unparalleled understanding of pre-war and early post-war Superposed." I was also given the impression Mr. Spurzem was relatively close with Val Browning and chose not to offer any details that may have been shared in confidence. According to Mr Schwing’s research of FN/BrowninG records (with assistance from the FN's Claude Gaier), #17116 was assembled May 2, 1948 and shipped to BrowninG St. Louis on May 31, 1948 along with 4 other guns in a 5-gun order – one of which was the Gr V (sn 17119) featured on the covers (either front or back) of various BrowninG brochures catalogs and sporting magazines of the 50's with the famous slogan, “ Rugged as the Rockies, Smooth as Silk”. The Gr V is also featured in 'Schwing' and the 'Special Models Superposed by BrowninG' catalog introduced in the early 50's (gold cover). Also from the Schwing/Gaier/Val B. collaboration (paraphrased), ['Superposed' guns in the 17100-17125 serial number range were the first post-war guns (and the total number) shipped to BrowninG St Louis in 1948. Serial numbers 17116 and 17119 were delivered to BrowninG Corporate offices in Ogden, UT on July 28, 1948 and were to be considered for selection as new standard engraving patterns to capitalize on the growing economy of the post-war era.]. One of the other serial numbers in that order was #17105 but I don't know its grade. #17112 appeared in Quebec in Sept. 2017 but was originally sold to Fly Walker Co., St Louis on 6/1/48 as a Gr I 26-1/2" f/f Standard model with Type F ('field') stock.
Owner/researcher’s comments:
The engraving on sn 17116 is likely a 'one-of-kind' (i.e., 'one-of', not 'one-off'....?) on a BrowninG barrel-addressed gun. It most resembles the pre-war FN B2 pattern, typically executed on flat-sided 'faux sculpted' receivers made exclusively for FN's European market. The engraving is not signed however the execution in light-relief style, detail, and accurate figure-ground relationships are typical of Felix Funken's style. The fact that 17116 was not selected as a standard BrowninG pattern lends to its relative rarity. BrowninG invoice records of this gun have been “pulled from the public file”. However, a record found by the late Lenny Rees on April 8, 2016 indicated the gun was sold 7 days before shipment to Ogden, UT which suggests this gun may have been ordered by (or for) one of the company executives or close friends. Records may be sealed for privacy even though most of the people from that period are deceased.
According to my study and additional research: This set had been widely assumed to be a factory 2-bbl set (originally) as the 28" barrels are not identified as chambered for 3" Magnum in the caption on page 102. I couldn't rationalize the existence of 3" Magnum in 1948 so in March 2016 I noticed the breech-end stamped detail on the barrel sets were different. Upon investigation the barrel proof date codes on the 28” 3” set #2 coincide with 1956. 3” Magnums were not a catalog offering until 1955 and came standard with 30” barrels. So, 28” barrels, factory-marked "Chambered for 3” Magnum” (as is this example) are quite anomalous thus also relatively rare. As evidenced by the different powder proof date codes, this gun was apparently returned to FN in 1955-56 and fitted with Set #2 so the engraving details could be accurately matched to Set #1. 1956 was also the first year 2-bbl sets were offered in the BrowninG catalog. The recoil pad is the type that were 'factory-installed' per request. Your guess to 'when' it was ‘factory’-installed may be as good as mine. I'm guessing the original stock was 14-3/4" LOP to a butt plate ('field' configuration) and the pad was added in 1956 to compliment the new 3” capabilities for waterfowl hunting or 2-3/4" IM-F for use on the trap field (thus the 'trap' forearm). Who cares? It's a once in a lifetime piece for the most ardent and discriminating of Superposed collectors.
The combined research efforts mentioned above are likely the most-definative info available for this gun to date, without willing assistance from the BrowninG family and archives department. There is a story behind every gun if we can uncover it. Some guns can talk - we merely have to listen. Try thinking outside the box. The LOP alone should give a clue to which family member this gun may have been ordered by, or for. Browning should also have a service order for the addition of Set #2 (see Schwing pg 125), but that is probably in the same non-public file. But really, who needs a letter to confirm what any Superposed connoisseur can clearly see?
Regarding Inquiries:
As a collector & researcher of the Superposed, I understand the importance of verifying as many details as possible. I have attempted to represent my items accurately and price them fairly given my current knowledge of FN/BrowninG Superposed production history and details, with a keen recognition and appreciation for the ‘factory’ standards of quality in all aspects. Collectors know that the actual condition/details can only be confirmed, (and either agree or disagree with the sellers’ valuation), via personal inspection – so it is pointless to waste time (buyer’s and seller’s) making a counter-offer or an attempt to negotiate without benefit of in-person review. Simply put, under NO circumstances will I entertain 'lower' offers. This piece is purposely-priced to sell, although to a very limited and specific market - the MOST-passionate of Superposed collectors. I'm not one to price items high so I can come-down to a comfort level (with price and/or understanding of the item) some buyers lack confidence with at this stage in their collecting career, or to make egotists feel 'good' about getting the better of someone else. Sorry, but I neither have time for indecision nor tolerance for 'gamesmanship'. I know what I'm offering and am confident in that knowledge and my valuation (i.e., artistic, aesthetic, and historical value). I'm not concerned with what 'market' anyone else plays (or thinks they have figured-out) and therefore am not interested in whatever monetary values or re-sale potential other buyers base their 'business plan' on. Rare and high-provanance items have their own market - you merely have to trust instincts developed over a long collecting career. It's real easy - if you want it, and if you're the type buyer I'm seeking - this is THE price - send me a check and FFL - Done deal - it's yours. If you don't like the item, just return it. I also reserve the right to refuse selling this gun to anyone I choose NOT to. It's not always about money.
Those who are 'watching', I genuinely appreciate your interest. I'm never sure what folks are 'watching', aside from hopes of a price reduction. It is more likely those folks will eventually 'watch' this one disappear for the next 10-30 years. The other pieces 'listed' from my collection have sold for my asking price. If this were an auktion, you would have to compete for it with no in-person inspection unless you are in attendance, and more importantly, if buying remotely, there would be no allowance of returning the item. So you know the price required to be successful and you have inspection and return privileges with this listing.
Transaction Details:
Once a buyer notifies me and commits to pursue purchase, I will provide an address for mailing of funds and a current copy of the receiving FFL. FFL copy may also be electronically transmitted to my (or my FFL’s) e-mail address (provided upon request). FFL-to-FFL shipments only. Buyer pays $80 UPS Ground shipping costs and insurance costs to lower 48. International shipments considered. Payment by Personal Check, Certified Check, or Money Order. Applicable waiting/clearance periods applies to all. Electronic payments considered for convenience and to expedite the process. The receiver of the shipment shall be responsible for inspecting the package for any signs of impact or damage and notifying the carrier before opening and before the carrier leaves FFL's premises. The listed price basically secures a 3-Day non-shooting, non-disassembly inspection, and return privileges. Item does not leave the receiving FFL’s premises until either transferred to the new owner or returned via that FFL. 3 Day = Day 1 is when UPS delivers the package to your FFL. Day 1 or 2, review the item and make a decision. If you know what your looking at, it should only take 10 minutes. Day 2 or 3, notify me of your intent to keep or return the item. Day 3 (if returning the item), provide a tracking number and confirmation of insurance for the declared value (listed price) and have your FFL get it on UPS ‘pick-up’ before the end of business hours. If you are not satisfied with the item as priced, just notify me and I will provide a return FFL address. 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 FFL’s re-transfer fees (TBD) if the item's condition is verified 'as-sent'. For serious collectors, feel free to ask questions and request photos of specific views via e-mail feature below. Otherwise, please be respectful of my time. I've willingly shared fact-based research and knowledge about this gun, to the best of my ability and experience. I can't imagine any part of this presentation that requires clarification.
Thank you for your interest, tolerance, and serious consideration. Please view my other Superposed and accessories listings.
Note: The bright 'blue' appearance of the barrel finish in the last photo is a product of lighting and camera settings. Obviously, I'm not a photographer. The barrel finishes are unquestionably original and correct. Remember, they were completed roughly 8 years apart. If I can get the right cloud cover outside, I'll try to get a better photo. Happy Hunting!
Price: $15,750.00