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relief gold inlay with gold inlaid borders aroun
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LOT 546
Factory Masters Mario Bodson and Jean Diet
Double Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Belgian Browning Midas Grade Superposed
Shotgun with Box - Serial no. 48665S75, 12 gauge, 26 1/2 inch vent rib bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut
stock. Manufactured in 1975. Single white bead sight on the matted vent rib, standard Browning markings, wedges scroll engraving at the breech end, 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors, and improved cylinder/modified “**-/**” chokes. The blued action displays full coverage scroll engraving on punch dot background surrounding game bird scenes showing a trio of pheasant on the left, three mallards on the right, and a quail on the underside. The birds are rendered in fine semi- d the scenes. The receiver is signed “M.BODSON” on the left side below the game scene side for factory Master Engraver Mario Bodson and “JEAN H. DIET” for factory Master Engraver Jean Diet. The triggerguard and tangs are engraved with matching scroll and checkerboard patterns and a blank initial shield at the center of the guard. Beautiful, highly figured, multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings and a pistol grip stock with inscription oval marked “A/J/S” and a Browning buttplate. Includes a factory box with illegible partial end label. Barrel and stock measurements: bore diameter nine inches from the breech .729/.726 inches; choke constriction .016/.021 inches; minimum wall thickness .036/.038 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 3/8 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 6 oz. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and gold finishes with minimal minor handling evidence, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The end with the label is torn through, otherwise the box is very good. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 547
Factory Felix Funken Signed and Master Engraved Belgian Browning Superposed Pigeon Grade Shotgun Two Barrel Set with Case - Serial no. 45779,
12 gauge, 30 inch vent rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1955. Blued steel barrels with single bead sight on
the matted vent rib, standard markings, chokes marked “*-”/”*” (improved modified/full), and 2 3/4 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. The action is signed on both sides at the low rear “FFUNKEN” for Master Engraver Felix Funken. 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 ventilated Browning recoil pad. Includes a matching numbered extra set of 30 inch barrels with 3 inch magnum chambers, single bead sight, and chokes marked “*-”/”*” (improved modified/full), as well as a Browning takedown case that houses the whole set. Barrel measurements for the extra set (U/O): measurements: bore diameter nine inches .727/.728 inches; choke constriction .026/.038 inches; minimum wall thickness .050/.047 inches. Barrel and stock measurements for the primary set (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .727/.729 inches; choke constriction .023/.033 inches; minimum wall thickness .047/.048 inches; drop at comb 1 1/2 inches; drop at heel 1 7/8 inches; length of pull 14 1/4 inches; weight 8 lbs 6 oz. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes, minor handling evidence, some varnish peel at the lower tang, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The case is very good with minor wear and an absent latch release and the extra barrel set is excellent. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000