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LOT 3477
Exceptional Factory Angelo Bee Signed, Master Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Belgian
Browning 20 Gauge Superposed Midas
Grade Shotgun with Case - Serial no.
16246, 20 gauge, 28 inch vent rib bbl., blue/ gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
in 1959. Blued Special Steel barrels with
a single white bead sight on the matted vent rib, standard markings, 2 inch wedges scroll engraving at the breech end, chokes
marked “**-”/”**” (improved cylinder/modified), and 3 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The blued action displays full coverage scroll engraving on a punch dot background surrounding game bird scenes which depict a trio of pheasant on the left, three mallards on the right, and a single quail
on the underside, all rendered in fine semi-relief gold inlay with gold inlaid borders around the scenes.
The trigger guard and tangs are engraved with matching scroll and checker board patterns and a blank initial shield at the center of the guard. The action
is signed “A.BEE” at the bottom rear on both sides for renowned Browning factory Master Engraver Angelo Bee. The gun features a single gold washed trigger and a tang mounted safety/selector switch with gold inlaid “S”, “O”. and “U”. Beautifully figured, fancy multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings and a round knob pistol grip stock with Browning buttplate. Includes a factory Browning Naugahyde takedown case. Barrel and stock measurements: bore diameter nine inches from the breech .612/.613 inches; choke constriction .011/.020 inches; minimum wall thickness .035/.036 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 8 oz. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% original blue and gold finishes with limited handling evidence. The wood is oversized and does not mate perfectly to the metal; otherwise, it is excellent with a few minor handling marks and sharp checkering. The case is very fine with minor storage wear. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
260
Excellent Factory Engraved Belgian Browning 20 Gauge Superposed Pigeon Grade Shotgun - Serial no. 54588V9, 20 gauge, 28 inch vent rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1969. Blued steel barrels with dual white bead sights on the matted vent rib, standard markings, chokes marked “**”/”*” (modified/full), and 3 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The coin gray finished action displays the standard Pigeon Grade full coverage floral scroll engraving surrounding scenes of pigeons in flight on the left and right as well as relief carved oak leaf and acorn designs carved at the fences. Gold washed single trigger and tang mounted safety/selector switch with gold inlaid “O”, “U”, and “S”. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings and round knob pistol grip stock with Browning buttplate. Stock measurements: drop at comb 1 7/16 inches; drop at heel 2 7/16 inches; length of pull 14 9/16 inches; weight 6 lbs 11 oz. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes, minor handling evidence, small blemish on the left of the action, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 3478