Description:
Browning 1932 Midas Grade sn2454 with Ithaca 4E SBT- HISTORICAL PROVENANCE sn401977-T
Collecting fine firearms takes many directions, and to some, provenance makes things interesting. For the Trap Shooting fan we have a wonderful find. The winner of the 1932 Grand American Handicap Championship was Arthur E. Sheffield of Dixon, Illinois. Sheffield was a prominent shooter for decades and received grand accolades for his win in 1932. Upon his win, Sheffield became a celebrity.
I have for sale a package that contains the Ithaca Single Barrel Trap, Grade 4E that Sheffield shot to win the Grand American, the presentation Browning Superposed Midas Grade presented to Sheffield by the Browning factory, a folder full of black and white photos, newspaper clippings, Dupont News letters noting Sheffield’s accomplishments, many of Sheffield’s ATA handicap cards, hunting licenses, shooting patches, and paper too numerous to itemize. I even have several of his shooting pouches.
Browning immediately adopted Sheffield and his celebrity and made him the “poster boy” for the marketing of the Browning Superposed shotguns. The Midas Grade Browning that was presented to Sheffield by the factory after his win in 1932 is in near new condition with little use. There is a factory letter documenting the presentation of this gun to him as the GAH winner and many newspaper articles and advertisements showing him with his new Midas Grade.
The gun, serial number 2454, has 32” F/F barrels with 99% factory blue, mint bores, tight ribs, double ivory beads, and no dents or flaws other than a few minor handling marks. The receiver is near new condition with profuse gold wire inlays and gold pigeon medallions as seen on early Midas Grade Brownings. It is absolutely magnificent. The lever is far right of center and it is evident it was shot very little. The left side is engraved “GAH 1932” above the gold pigeon inlay, and “A.E. Sheffield” below the pigeon. The wood is nicely figured dark French walnut with crisp checkering, ½ round pistol grip, the long graceful forend with the “horse shoe plate” at the end, factory installed Jotsam “Anti-Flinch” recoil pad, no splits or cracks or repairs. The Ithaca 4E SBT, serial number 401977-T, is a very well used gun. Every photo showing Sheffield shooting on the line shows him shooting his Ithaca. It is still tight on face and hinge, but retains little of the case color, the engraving is still clear, the checkering worn smooth. This 1920’s vintage Knickerbocker, or “Knick” has a 32” full choked barrel with excellent bores and 90% original blue, no dents of dings, rib is tight and no pits. The engraving is beautiful, slightly worn. The lever is loose but the gun locks up tight as a drum. It is a small problem that can be repaired if you so desire for a few extra dollars. The trigger is a regular pull trigger. The wood is not cracked or repaired in any way, and is 14” LOP to the end of the Morgan style adjustable pad. It is nicely figured and retains much of the original finish.
As mentioned, the provenance creates value and interest in these two guns and the package of “paper” that goes along with it. This set includes the original Browning hard case that came with the Midas Grade. I have many more photos upon request, and would welcome any phone calls if you need more details on the “paper” that comes with the package. This is a historically important set of firearms and if it went to I am certain the price would beup to a much higher number. Thanks for your interest.
There are more photos upon request. We offer a 30 day mechanical warranty on this fine shotgun. PLEASE SEE MY OTHER FINE VINTAGE FIREARMS - “see all items from this seller” and a very nice list of fine sporting and collectible arms will appear. See us at Tulsa November 9 & 10 for Wanenmacher's Tulsa Arms Show - Worlds Largest Gun Show!
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Caliber:
12 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted:
Shipping Notes: Payment Methods: Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer ****
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received. ****
Sales Tax: 6% Michigan Only
Shipping: Ground $140.00 We ship internationally! ****
Item Condition: Used ****
Requires FFL?: Yes****
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
