Manufactured in 1929. Single bead sight on the barrel with factory matted sighting plain, 2 1/2 inch chamber, standard Belgian proofs, Ogden, Utah barrel address, full choke, and flourish of gold inlaid scroll engraving at the breech on top. The receiver has the two-line Herstal address and "BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE" marking on the left side, Belgian proofs on the bolt and receiver, and standard serial number marking on the underside. The bright polished blue receiver features borderline and leafy scroll engraving inlaid with brilliant gold with matching engraving on the tangs and trigger guard, and straw finished trigger, safety, and magazine cutoff. Attractive checkered straight grain walnut semi-beavertail forearm and pistol grip stock with relief carved tear drop flats, and vented Hawkins recoil pad. Includes a leather bound takedown case with brass trim and brown baize interior containing a three-piece wood cleaning rod. The case lid is marked "HARLEY J. EARL/GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION/DETROIT, MICHIGAN.BROWNING 16". Harley J. Earl was perhaps one of the most innovative, and prolific automotive designers of the 20th century. Often called the "Father of the Corvette", Earl broke new ground in concept and design with his use of freeform sketching, and modeling clay (now industry standard), he introduced the idea of a "concept car" as both a design and marketing tool. His further innovations include incorporating the idea of "Dynamic Obsolescence" and "Annual Model Change" to the automotive industry. He is credited for not just the tail fin, but the "long and low" designs of American cars in the 60s and 70s, and he was appointed commissioner of NASCAR a position he filled from 1960 to 1969. His legacy is still felt in the Daytona 500 where the winner receives the Harley J. Earl Trophy, and in 1999 he was ranked as the third most influential Michigan artist of the 20th century

Exceptionally fine as professionally restored with 99% of the bright high polished blue finish remaining, some small traces of scattered very light pitting visible under the blue, slightly light markings, and brilliant, complete gold inlays. The wood is fine with crisp, well defined checkering, some small scattered dings, 2 inch hairline crack on the underside of the forearm, small repaired chip at the end of the upper tang, and freshened varnish finish. Mechanically excellent. Case is fine with numerous small dings and scuffs on the exterior, and moderate patina on the brass fittings. A visually impressive shotgun attributed to perhaps the most influential automotive artist of the 20th century.