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LOT 1518
Exceptional Winston Churchill Signed, Master Engraved, and Gold
Inlaid Belgian Browning Superposed Shotgun with Case - Serial
no. 203PX02491, 12 gauge, 26 3/8 inch vent rib bbl., blue/gold finish,
walnut stock. Manufactured in 1983 and subsequently masterfully
embellished by American Master Engraver Winston Churchill. Built
with blue Special Steel barrels featuring a single bead sight (absent)
on the matted flat vent rib, standard factory markings, chokes marked
improved cylinder/modified, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic
ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the blued action which displays
Churchill’s masterful work with a pair of tom turkeys taking flight on the
left side and the toms strutting on the right, both rendered in gorgeous
highly detailed flush gold inlays with beautifully detailed backgrounds.
The gun is signed “W. CHURCHILL ENGR.” next to the gold single trigger
and has “No. 4” in a banner with scrollwork on the toplever, and a tang
mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “S”, “O”, and “U” indicators.
The gun is fitted with a magnificently well-figured and multi-point
checkered carved Schnabel tip forend along with a straight hand long
tang stock with teardrop carved crop points, blank gold inscription oval,
and a leather covered recoil pad. According to the consignor, the stock
work was carried out by legendary stock maker Jerry Fischer, which
certainly makes sense given the outstanding quality. Included with
the gun is a leather flat case by Huey with canvas cover, some cleaning
tools, snap caps, and oiler. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O):
bore diameter nine inches from the breech .728/.725 inches; choke
constriction .010/.015 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.033 inches;
1 5/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of
pull; cast-off; weight 7 lbs.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine retaining 99% original blue and gold
finishes with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering on the
stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is also excellent. A
great opportunity to own a gun engraved by one of
America’s finest engravers!
Provenance: The Frank Brownell Collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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