December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/17/2021
Extremely rare Medalist number 25 of 60 semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Browning for the Browning Collectors Association. This example is marked "BROWNING ARMS COMPANY/ CALIBER .22 LONG RIFLE" on the left side of the barrel, with "MADE IN BELGIUM/ BY FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL" on the right hand side. Rear of frame, beneath the slide serrations, is the maker's name, "R.CAPECE", for Belgian Master Engraver Rocco Capece. The slide and barrel feature wonderful acanthus leaf scroll engraving on a hatched background surrounded by a line border, with equivalent but lighter bordered sections of engraving on the frame. Features include a French gray finish, 6 - 3/4" round heavy barrel, vent rib, fixed blade front sight, target adjustable rear sight, as well as 2-piece checkered walnut thumb rest grips. The grips feature scroll work towards the top that is laid on a punch dot pattern background, with the checkering being bordered by a line and dot background. Schnabel tip forend features matching scroll work on a dot background as is on the grips. Matching numbers are present on the frame, underside of the barrel and are also hand-scribed and stamped on the interior of the grip panels and forend. This example is accompanied by a matching finish magazine. CONDITION: Excellent, with metal components retaining virtually all of their factory applied French Gray finish save for a few minute marks from handling and storage overall. Mirror bore. Walnut furniture bears some minor handling marks overall, with an indentation present on the left side of the forend. An extremely attractive and scarce Browning Medalist semi-automatic pistol, that would make for a fine addition for the discerning collector. MLW