GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
BRACE OF EXCEPTIONAL BROWNING SUPERPOSED EXHIBITION GRADE GUNS RELIEF ENGRAVED BY ANDRE WATRIN AND RELIEF GOLD INLAID BY LOUIS VRANCKEN. BROWNING OU EXHIBITION 1046S2/ 1047S2 12 GA MODERN; IVORY Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4” Chambers. 32" Bbls are marked for full and full. Bbls have wide "broadway", ventilated ribs with two "certifiable pre-ban ivory" beads. They are gold inlaid with Browning St. Louis and Montreal addresses on left, and with chamber and “MADE IN BELGIUM” on right. Coin finished standard Browning OU actions with gold-plated sgl selective triggers, are engraved with full coverage truly exceptional deep relief carving of scrolled acanthus and flowers, as counterpoint to gold inlaid game birds. These exceptional pieces of artwork are engraved by renowned Browning engraver Andre Watrin, and these motifs were designed by him. His drawings are illustrated on p. 222 and 223 of THE BROWNING SUPERPOSED by Ned Schwing. Captions under the drawing photos state that Mr. Watrin was "co-chief engraver of the FN facilities, and is considered by many to have outstanding artistic ability." The caption under the design for gun no. 1046S2 states "This Watrin sketch was executed on Nov. 16, 1962, and illustrates an almost perfect blending of scroll and birds in an imperceptible motion of swirls and flowers. This design is art in its purest form." The designs on both of these guns are a tribute to Mr. Watrin''s mastery of art history and symmetry, as well as his exceptionally steady hand, and are truly incredible works of art. Gun no. 1047S2 portrays gold inlaid pigeons amongst scroll. Gun no. 1046S2 has gold inlaid pheasants in flight. Both guns are signed by "A. Watrin" on rear left side of action, who undoubtedly did the scroll, and by "L. Vrancken" on right who most likely was responsible for the gold inlay. Louis Vrancken''s gold inlaid birds are beyond reproach. Stocks of both guns are of exceptionally well matched finely flame figured American walnut, and are fitted with Browning open sided white line pads. Checkering of gun no. 1047S2 has floral carving, with line borders and 1046S2 has finely carved fleur-di-lis borders, and wraps over top of grip. Beavertail forends match well. Gun. 1046S2: Bore diameter: top -.722, bottom -.722. Bore restrictions: top: .036 (full), bottom: .036 (full). Drop at heel: 1-3/4", drop at comb: 1-5/16". Weight: 7 lbs 15 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". Gun no. 1047S2: Bore diameter: top -.724, bottom -.724. Bore restrictions: top: .036 (full), bottom: .037 (full). Drop at heel: 1-11/16", drop at comb: 1-1/4". Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". PROVENANCE: The Collection of Robert Burg. CONDITION: Excellent, nearly as new, showing very little evidence of firing since proof, with only the slightest of handling marks on wood and metal. Checkering and carving of gun 1047S2 is somewhat darkened and front bead is missing. Gold of triggers on both guns is excellent. Both are mechanically crisp. An exquisite pair of Brownings. 49100-14 MGM250 (35,000-55,000)