1936 Browning Superposed?

[browningbps]

As I was browsing through my favorite local gun shop, I came across a VERY neat gun that caught my eye. I asked to take a look at it. I knew that it was a Browning Superposed, and figured it to be from the early to mid '40s. When the gentleman handed me the old 12g, he said "this gun is a Browning superposed made in 1936". The gun is BEAUTIFUL. I would say it is probably in 90% condition. The barrels still had a very smooth bore, had NO rust and was one of the nicest Superposed guns I have ever seen. It had Full and Modified choked barells. Does anyone know what this gun might be worth? when did they start making the Superposed? Maybe Dave McCracken can help with some info?

 

[browningbps]

Wanted to add that I believe the Superposed was first built in 1931, but am not sure. Also, the serial # on the old superposed is 10531 if that matters.

 

[Dave McCracken]

I'm no Superposed expert but here goes. When JMB passed away in 1927 the design of the Superposed was not finalized. His son did so, and the factory started putting them out in the early 30s.

Fabrique National was/is owned by the Belgian Government. They had been making a couple JMB designs and would make others, the last being the P-35.

A 1936 Superposed in near new condition would be worth, IMO, from $4K up, depending on wood, engraving, condition and how many others are currently for sale. Any case with this?

Pre WWII Brownings have some cachet, though all Belgian Brownings are highly prized except the salt wood casualties of the 60s-70s.

One problem, all you have is the dealer's word this is that old. Telling this from a 1950s model is hard.
A five digit number strikes me as very early....

Did it have a rib? And was that rib solid or vented?

What length barrel? Most were 28" at first.

HTH, maybe a REAL expert will chip in.

 

[JohnBT]

10,001 to 12,000 = 1936 (for 12 ga. guns)

Will the dealer let you take pics?

John

 

[browningbps]

The dealer may let me take pictures, I'm not really sure. I will try to get some Monday or Tuesday. They are closed Sunday of course, but I'll try t get some pics. Thanks for the help.