GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EXCEPTIONAL BROWNING SUPERPOSED EXHIBITION GRADE GUN RELIEF ENGRAVED BY ANDRE WATRIN AND RELIEF GOLD INLAID BY LOUIS VRANCKEN.BROWNINGOU EXHIBITION1047S212 GAMODERN; IVORYCal. 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. Gun is 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 action with gold-plated sgl selective trigger, is engraved with full coverage truly exceptional deep relief carving of scrolled acanthus and flowers, as counterpoint to gold inlaid game birds. This exceptional piece of artwork is 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 designs on this gun are a tribute to Mr. Watrin''s mastery of art history and symmetry, as well as his exceptionally steady hand, and is a truly incredible work of art. Gun portrays gold inlaid pigeons amongst scroll. Gun is 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. Stock is of exceptionally well matched finely flame figured American walnut, and is fitted with Browning open sided white line pad. Checkering has floral carving, with line borders. Beavertail forend matches well. 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 is somewhat darkened and front bead is missing. Gold of trigger is excellent. Mechanically crisp. An exquisite Browning. 50034-3 CAS (12,500-17,500)