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 EXHIBITION1046S212 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, 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 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 design 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 truly an incredible work of art. Gun has gold inlaid pheasants in flight. 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. Buttstock of finely flame figured American walnut is fitted with Browning open sided white line pad. Checkering has finely carved fleur-di-lis borders, and wraps over top of grip. Beavertail forend matches well. 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". 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. Gold of trigger is excellent. Mechanically crisp. An exquisite Browning. 50034-2 MGM250 (12,500-17,500)