GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
BROWNING GRADE III SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE ENGRAVED BY BAERTEN WITH CASE. BROWNING SEMI-AUTO GRADE III 2T24523 22LR MODERN (1962) Cal. 22 LR. This fine early production little rifle with 19-1/2" bbl fitted with folding sight, is marked with St. Louis and Montreal addresses, and "MADE IN BELGIUM" on top, and with caliber and "BROWNING PATENTS" on side. Mounting ring and catch are fire-blued. Coin finished action with gold plated trigger is engraved with near full coverage large, scrolling strapwork with acanthus highlights. This classic scroll frames well rendered semi-relief game scenes; setter flushing a trio of pheasants on left, with another setter flushing a trio of ducks on right, and with a portrait of either a spaniel or setter retrieving a duck on top of action. This fine engraving is by noted Browning engraver, Jose Baerten, whose signature is on bottom of pheasant scene. Exceptional close fiddle figured European walnut square knob buttstock has skip line point pattern checkering at grip. Forend matches well as to color, but is not fiddle figured. Drop at heel: approx 2-7/8", drop at comb: approx 1-3/8". Weight: 4 lbs 14 oz. LOP: 13-3/4". Browning vinyl hard shell case is lined in off-white fleece, and includes instruction booklet and key. CONDITION: Excellent, near new, with a few light marks in wood, most notably a small fingernail size abrasion on top rear right side of buttstock. Markings have been highlighted in white. Gold of trigger is excellent with one or two exceptionally light scratches. Mechanically crisp. Case is very fine with scuffs, stitching frayed at corners. Interior cloth has some staining. 49033-12 MGM147 (3,500-5,500)