Lot 355: Engraved Belgian Browning Superposed Diana Grade Shotgun

Manufactured in 1974. Single steel bead sight on the matte vent rib, standard markings on the barrels, 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors, and modified/full chokes. Coin grey receiver with a single gold washed trigger and tang mounted safety/selector switch. The receiver is engraved in the Diana Grade pattern with flowing scroll designs surrounding mallards in a marsh on the right, a covey of pheasant in a wooded scene on the left, a pair of quail on the trigger plate, and a pair of rabbits on the trigger guard. The receiver is signed "VANDERSMISSENG" on the right side beneath the game scene for Gaston Vandersmissen. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with engraved fittings and Browning buttplate. This shotgun is consecutively serialized with four other shotguns in this auction. Includes original factory box. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bores 9 inches from the breech both proved at 13.9 (.547 inches) and measured at .547/.548 inches; choke constriction .025/.031 inches; minimum wall thickness inches; 1 1/4 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 4 oz.

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes, a few tiny areas of spotting, minor handling evidence, a few tiny marks in the wood, and sharp checkering on the wood. Mechanically excellent.