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LOT 3583
Angelo Bee Signed, Master Engraved,
and Relief Gold Inlaid Belgian Browning
.410 Bore Superposed Shotgun - Serial
no. 1371J6, 410 gauge, 28 inch vent rib bbl.,
blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
in 1966 and subsequently upgraded to the current configuration by renowned Master Engraver Angelo
Bee. The gun shows blued steel barrels featuring dual white bead sights on the matted flat vent rib, standard
factory markings, dual bands of gold inlay at the breech, “**$”/”**$” (skeet/skeet) chokes, and 3 inch chambers
with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the blued action which displays highly attractive gold wire inlaid
scrolling leafy vines surrounding a trio of game bird scenes and extending to the toplever, trigger guard, and both
tangs. The scenes consist of a trio of partridges in the grass on the left, the underside shows a woodcock in flight,
and the right side has a trio of pigeons over a field, with all three scenes inlaid in semi-relief gold with multi-colored
gold used on the scenery. The gun is signed “A.BEE (bumblebee)” on the left side of the action at the low rear in Bee’s signature
style. The gun features a gold single trigger and a tang mounted manual safety/selector with gold inlaid indicators. The gun is fitted with a beautiful honey colored, highly figured French walnut,
and multi-point checkered Schnabel tip forend and a straight hand stock with a factory buttplate. Includes a Browning Airways case. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine
inches from the breech .408/.409 inches; choke constriction .003/.004 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 3/8 inch drop at heel; 14 5/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 9 oz.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as embellished by Master Engraver Angelo Bee, retaining 99% blue and gold finishes, minor handling evidence, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend.
Mechanically excellent. The case is excellent. A great opportunity to own a piece by one of the 20th century’s most renowned engravers!
Estimate: 10,000 - 16,000
LOT 3584
Neil Hartliep Signed, Master Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Belgian
Browning Auto-5 Semi-Automatic Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 98,724,
12 gauge, 27 1/2 inch vent rib bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
prior to World War II and subsequently beautifully upgraded by renowned Master Engraver Neil Hartliep. The
gun features a later barrel (1952-1960) numbered “99770” with a single nickel bead sight on the matted vent
rib, standard markings, 2 3/4 inch chamber, modified choke, and a pair of gold inlaid cockatrices flanking the
breech. The blued action displays extensive gold inlaid scrollwork surrounding a total of 19 more cockatrices in
gold as well as “BROWNING AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN NUMBER 98,724” in a banner also in gold. The gun is signed
on the lower tang “Engr. by N. Hartliep-69”. The gun is fitted with a beautifully figured forend and pistol grip stock with multi-point checkering surrounded by string-of-pearl borders and a
Browning buttplate. Includes a black leatherette takedown case. Stock measurements: 1 11/16 inch drop at comb; 2 5/8 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as upgraded by Master Engraver Neil Hartliep, retaining 99% blue finish, 95% gold finish with some areas of light fading to a silvery under plating, some minor
discoloration on the barrel at the breech, minor handling evidence, and sharp checkering on the slightly oversized wood. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good.
Estimate: 4,000 - 7,000
410