Home Forums Gear Free Classifieds 1952 Browning Superposed Grade III "Fighting Cocks"

Here's a very nice unaltered/untouched 12 gauge Browning Superposed in the relatively rare Grade III, also known as the Fighting Cocks grade. Bluing and wood are in very, very good condition for an almost 67-year-old shotgun. The serial number dates it to early 1952 manufacture.

Signed on both sides by Felix Funken, this nice Field/Hunting Superposed comes with the original butt plate, 14 1/4" LOP, 1 1/2" DAC and 2 1/2" DAH, neutral cast. Weight is 7# 11.6 oz. Long tang obviously. Tubes are 27 7/8" (or maybe 27 3/4") and are marked * and ** (Full and Modified) and they are in lovely condition. Single brass bead.

I'm not an expert by any means on Superposed Grade III's but this one has a slightly different interpretation of what I'd consider the "normal" fighting cocks. All in all it's very nicely done. Based on the few Grade III's I've seen I'd say you could look a fairly long time and not find a better one in the Field/Hunting configuration. Further research indicates that this is a special-order Grade III with "calling cocks" engraving pattern (similar to the European FN B2 pattern). Also, the bottom engraving pattern is very similar to that found on later pointer grades. An interesting and unusual Grade III to be sure.

Gun will be shipped with a hard case and purchaser will also receive a clean copy of Ned Schwing's book on the Browning Superposed, itself a value of several hundred dollars. Will sell and ship the shotgun with case and book to your FFL or C&R for reduced price of $4450.

Photos can be seen here: https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/galleries/13277061#Post13277061

I worked in the Browning Arms gunsmithing shop for several years, most of the time was spent on Superposed shotguns. Only a handful of the Supergrades that I worked on were Grade !!!'s, Felix Funken was the master engraver and head of the engraving shop during the time this shotgun was produced his work is highly regarded amoungst collectors. As the OP states the engraving on this Superposed is unusual as some of the early guns were, the engraving did not become standardized until later in production.

gunswisard, thanks for the kind words and the insight into Grade III's. Any other info you can share would be greatly appreciated.

A true work of art

Absolutely stunning.

Certainly a rare and pure example of an early Superposed, engraved by the best.

I am assuming this is a 12 gauge?

Yes, sorry to have failed to include that very pertinent bit of info.

Thank you! Gorgeous gun, would be more interested if it was a 20.

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