Early Pre WWII Browning Superposed Pigeon Grade 12GA 27.6” Shotgun C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,346
WOA#: WY240125JT004
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Pigeon Grade
Serial Number: 6568
Year of Manufacture: 1931-1939 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors & Double Triggers
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St LOUIS MC / 12 GA SPECIAL STEEL”. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM – BROWNING PATENTS No 1578630 / OTHER PATENTS APPLIED FOR”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the left of each barrel is marked with proofs and “6568”. The forend mounting metal is marked “6568”. . At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “**-” and the bottom barrel is marked “**-“. The left of the forend latch is marked “6568”, the spring-loaded finger piece is marked “6568”. The top tang is marked “6568”, the water table is marked with a Belgian proof and an inspector’s mark. The receiver has Pigeon Grade engraving. The bottom of the receiver also is marked “BROWNING / TRADE MARK” with an engraved bust portrait of John Browning.
Barrel Length: 27.6” chopped, Solid-Rib,
Choke: Fixed CYL over CYL
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a faux-ivory bead and there is a smaller faux-ivory midbead; both are fixed to the rib. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, checkered forend, and brown rubber vented White-Line Pachmayr buttpad.There are compressions and scratches throughout but no chips or cracks. The compressions and checkering are dark with stain. The right side of the grip has some white paint. There are some scattered light handling marks. The checkering is present and defined though smoothed in places especially on the forend. The LOP measures 14” and 15” from the trigger to the rear of the buttpad respectively. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as C&R..
Type of Finish: Blue & French Grey
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bores are bright on both barrels with no erosion. The top bore has some fouling at the midlength. In this writer’s opinion the bores rates 9/10 overall.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is light finish wear on some of the edges. There are some spots of minor discoloration on the bottom tang. There are a few faint marks, mostly on the barrel set. The screwheads are sharp and the pinheads are sharp. There are some minor rust freckles on the receiver with a couple more notable rust freckles on the barrel assembly hidden by the forend though appear only surface level. Overall, this shotgun is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The shotgun features a two triggers. The front trigger shoots the top barrel and the rear trigger fires the bottom barrel. There is zero movement between the barrels and frame. The safety does NOT set automatically when the action is opened but functions properly when manually set. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Pre WWII Browning Superposed Pigeon Grade 12GA is a highly esteemed over-under shotgun that represents a significant milestone in the history of firearms design. Introduced by John Moses Browning, one of the most prolific firearms designers in history, the Superposed marked the culmination of Browning’s career, being the last gun he worked on and the first commercially successful over-under shotgun. Produced before World War II, this model showcases the innovation and craftsmanship that Browning was renowned for.
The Pigeon Grade variant of the Superposed is particularly notable for its higher level of finish and detail, making it a sought-after piece among collectors and shooting enthusiasts. It features intricate engravings of pigeons on the receiver, signifying its intended use as a high-grade sporting shotgun for clay pigeon shooting and hunting. The craftsmanship extends to the fine walnut stock and forend, hand-fitted metal parts, and a meticulously balanced design that provides a smooth shooting experience. The 12GA chambering makes it versatile for various types of game and target shooting, offering both power and precision.
Collectors value the Pre WWII Browning Superposed Pigeon Grade 12GA not only for its historical significance but also for its rarity and the quality of its construction. As a product of the era before mass production and computer-aided design, each shotgun bears the marks of skilled artisans. Owning a Pre WWII Superposed Pigeon Grade is akin to possessing a piece of firearms history, a testament to the genius of John Moses Browning and the enduring legacy of craftsmanship in gunmaking. Its blend of aesthetic beauty, functionality, and historical importance makes it a treasured piece for any aficionado. This is a pre-war Browning produced 12 Gauge in 1931-1939, in about Excellent condition, showing tight metal and wood fit and sporting Pigeon Grade engraving. The engraving is beautiful, the pigeons and scroll are fantastic and the relief engraved oak leaves are defined though this shotgun is refinished. Retaining about 98% of its metal finish, the action is still spot on and the trigger is crisp. This one is a head turner that will shoot as good as it looks! Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
