Description:
Browning Superposed Diana Lightning Trap, o/u, 12 Ga.,
Excellent Plus Condition
BROWNING, O/U, Belgium Superposed 12 GA, Diana Grade Lightning Trap (LTFK) made in 1967 that remains totally original, with original box, in Collector-best condition with 30” barrels, standard 5/16” (non-Broadway) Ventilated Rib, and Field-style Forend, long trigger guard tang (LT) with flat knob pistol grip (FK). Bores are .725 Full & Improved Modified as Factory marked (* and *-). Chambers are 2 ¾.” Single selective trigger.
Stock measures 14 3/8” x 1 5/16”” x 1 3/4” over the factory trap pad with the Browning logo, 8.3 lbs. Inspected carefully for salt by Browning specialist, Art Issacs, and cleared as absolutely “a no salt wood gun”. Very nice wood figure as only the best are selected and saved for the Diana and Midas grades. This piece is 1967 original and still retains 99% original factory blue, 100% coin finish receiver, and 99% checkering (no missing diamonds, nearly all still sharp).
This Diana was engraved by the Belgian Master, C.H. Servais, and is signed.
Engraving is hammer and chisel, deep, clean and executed masterfully with a combination of acanthus vines and leaves and game animals. On the underside of the receiver are two quail in flight and two rabbits or hares on the trigger guard. On the left side of the receiver are four ringneck pheasants. On the right side are four ducks with two in flight. All other “grayed” parts are engraved: the upper tang, the lower tang and the forearm escutcheon metal.
The original finish of the highly figured Diana-grade wood is still at 99% while the wood color and figure will rival any Diana, and are better than many, on this gun. The beautifully carved wrap-around Diana checkering patterns are extensive wrapping over the wrist and fully around the forearm and remain at 99%, Browning designers adopted the fine checkering (28 lpi) to show the beautiful grain figure and color through the checkering.
The bores are as new, and the gun is in perfect mechanical condition. It is all original, and all there, including its original factory box, along with its original Browning fitted hard case.
Marc Murphy of Michael Murphy Guns, a Browning Custom Shop authorized dealer, was asked in December 2012, what a new Browning Superposed Diana Grade would cost made by their Leige Belgium Custom Shop and here was his answer:
“Just heard back from the browning custom shop, they are saying 12-16 months and $20 K without custom alterations.” -- Marc
You will look hard to find a Diana this nice with wood having this great color and figure, set up both to win any trap match and to catch the attention of everyone in the field as a great and beautiful field gun. This is a very rare piece with long tang, case, and original box.
Condition:
Used - See Item Description
Caliber:
12 Gauge
Item #:
987336620
Stock No.:
410013
Location:
GA
Trades Accepted: Trades considered at buyers wholesale value.
Shipping Notes: Buyer pays $50 and provides a copy of current FFL for shipping. Seller is the author of The Rifleman's Rifle and will provide a Letter of Provenance.
Author of The Rifleman's Rifle, on the Winchester Pre-64 Model 70. Although seller is in Hawaii, shipping costs are calculated from the West Coast.
