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According to "The Browning Superposed" by Ned Schwing, only 17 Browning Diana Grade Shotguns in this configuration were produced in 1974.
LOT 530
Factory Mario Bodson
Signed and Engraved Belgian Browning
Diana Grade Superposed Shotgun Four Barrel Set
with Case - Serial no. 28861S74, 12 gauge, 28 inch vent rib bbl.,
blue/French grey finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1974 as one of
a mere 17 all gauge skeet sets manufactured that year per the sales
report on page 446 of Ned Schwing’s “The Browning Superposed”. Blued Special Steel barrels with dual white bead sights on the matted vent rib,
single band of engraving at the upper breech, chokes marked “**$”/”**$” (skeet/skeet), and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The coin
grey receiver is engraved in the Diana Grade pattern with flowing scroll
designs surrounding four game scenes depicting mallards in a marsh
on the right, a covey of pheasant in a wooded scene on the left, a pair
of quail on the underside, and a pair of rabbits on the trigger guard. The
action is signed “M.BODSON” on the left and right sides beneath the
game scene for FN Engraver Mario Bodson. Single gold plated trigger
and tang mounted safety/selector switch with gold “S”, “O”, and “U”.
Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered modified removable beavertail forend with engraved fittings and pistol grip stock with Browning
ventilated recoil pad. Includes three extra matching numbered and
engraved barrel sets, one each in 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and .410 bore. Also included is a Naugahyde takedown case that houses the entire set. Barrel measurements for the .410 bore set (U/O): choke constriction .003/.003
inches. Barrel measurements for the 28 gauge set (U/O): bores nine
inches from the breech measured at .550/.550 inches; choke constriction .006/.007 inches; minimum wall thickness .041/.041 inches. Barrel measurements for the 20 gauge set (U/O): bores nine inches from the
breech measured at .626/.625 inches; choke constriction .006/.006 inches; minimum wall thickness .049/.048 inches. Barrel and stock measurements
for the 12 gauge set (U/O): bores nine inches from the breech measured
at .728/.729 inches; choke constriction .008/.009 inches; minimum wall thickness .041/.039 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 1 3/4 inch drop at
heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 15 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original blue and French
grey finishes with limited handling marks, some oil staining on the action,
crisp engraving, and crisp stock checkering. Mechanically excellent. Extra barrels are excellent as well with limited handling marks. Case is very fine. Estimate: 20,000 - 35,000 443