Browning Superposed – Pointer Grade – engraved by Magis – 12ga – circa 1961 FKLT Y-tang
Description:
A Rare Superposed Pointer Grade - engraved by Magis
The Story Behind the Pointer Grade; Marie Louise Magis – A Master Among Masters! The Browning Pointer Grade was introduced in 1960. In order to come up with an “official” Pointer Grade design, John Val Browning invited a number of the “master engravers” at FN-Browning in Liege to submit proposed Pointer Grade engravings for consideration, and he himself would choose the winner. Mr. Browning provided instructions on how he wanted the Pointer Grade design to look. Different FN-Browning engravers produced varying designs of the Pointer Grade before an “official” Pointer Grade design pattern was chosen. Such Pointers are known as “pre-selection” guns. Funken (Chief of the engravers), Vrancken, A. Watrin, Magis, and other "master" engravers submitted pre-selection designs to be considered by Mr. Browning. The first attempt was submitted by Felix Funken, Chief Engraver, on March 11, 1959 (Serial #68308). It was not selected. Master engraver Marie Louise Magis (at times called “Mary Lou”) completed and submitted a design on August 23, 1960 (Serial #77871). It was not selected, but was very close to the final design that was chosen. Louis Vrancken (who became Chief Engraver after Funken’s retirement in 1960) submitted a design for consideration. It was not selected. Other master engravers also likely submitted designs that were not selected. In truth, each submitted design surely contributed to the final design that was selected. However, Magis refined her previous design in another submission, and on November 28, 1960, the Magis design was chosen as the “winner” by Mr. Browning. This winning Pointer design was on a Browning Superposed with serial number 89745, and it is known among collectors as “the selection gun.” All Pointer Grade guns produced after the “selection gun” are known as post-selection Pointer Grade guns. The chosen Pointer Grade Superposed appeared in the 1961 Browning catalog. Magis’ winning design became the standard pattern for all Browning Pointer Grade Superposed guns until the Pointer Grade was discontinued as a production high-grade in 1966 (after which time, a Pointer Grade was "special order" only). [Credit: much of this info comes from the book, The Browning Superposed by Ned Schwing].
Of the Browning Superposed production high-grade guns (Midas, Diana, Pointer, and Pigeon), the Pointer Grade is the most rare. Thus, the Pointer Grade commands a higher price. The “selection story” of the Pointer Grade makes it unique among the production Browning high-grades. Mary Lou Magis retired or engraved part-time after her Pointer Grade pattern was chosen. Thus, post-selection Pointer Grades engraved by Magis are rare, and command a premium price. The Pointer Grade for sale is a "post-selection" gun engraved by Magis. Mary Lou Magis was truly a "master" among the master engravers at FN/Browning in Liege. Magis-engraved Pointer grades are rare and command a premium, along with all other post-selection Pointers made before 1965 (a small "window", for sure). If you know the post-selection Pointer market, and if you appreciate the unique history of the Pointer Grade, and the history behind the selection process, then you will appreciate the "bonus" of owning a Pointer by the artist whose rendering was chosen by Val Browning himself over those done by other master engravers.
This Pointer has the preferred long tang on the trigger gaurd, and the desired Y-Tang at the safety mechanism. It is a 2-barrel set (with 26.5” and 30” barrels). The 26.5” barrels are choked IC/M; and the 30” barrels are choked M/F. This gun has recently been restored to “as new” condition. However, a previous owner installed a Simmons aftermarket rib on the 30” barrels, and those barrels could not be restored. So the gun, as restored, has the 26.5” barrels. After considerable research, I chose Midwest Gun Works to do the restoration. Midwest is an authorized Browning repair center and known to be a preeminent restorer of Superposed guns (one of the few that can duplicate the 1950’s/60s bluing and stock finish of the Superposed guns in that era). They did a fantastic job on this gun. Any blemishes or sheens are light reflections due to my poor photography. These photos do not do this Pointer Grade justice; it is breath-taking!
CONTACT INFO: Please use the "Contact Seller" tool below to email me your interest, offer, or questions. I am a Private Seller.
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Shipping: Buyer pays $75 shipping & insurance, I will pay the rest.
SOLD
Manufacturer:
Browning
Model:
Superposed - Pointer Grade
Serial Number:
89102
Barrel Length:
26.5/30
Bore:
12ga
Condition:
Restored "as new" by MGW
LOP:
14.5
Rib:
Vented
Manufacture Date:
1961
Chokes:
See written text.