Make: Browning
Model: Superposed
Serial Number: 8024, All the serialized parts match.
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Gauge: 20 Gauge 2.75" and 3" Shells. The side of the chambers are stamped 3" indicating the chambers were lengthened at some point.
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and Single selective inertial trigger. The safety does not reset automatically.
Barrel Length: 26.5" Vented Rib.
Choke: Fixed Chokes. The barrels are marked Modified Over Improved Cylinder. However our Choke gauge reads Full over Modified.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small silver bead affixed to the front of the rib. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood furniture is a two-piece checkered walnut set. The stock is a Prince of Wales grip, fluted straight comb, with a Browning black butt plate made of horn. The forend is a checkered thin profile, non removable, forend. The LOP measures 14.25". The drop at comb is 1 3/8ths" the drop at heel is 2" and the shotgun weighs 6lbs 8OZ. The wood shows some surface level lines, and minor compressions scattered throughout. The chip of the toe and the rear edge of the comb both show cracks that are forming into chips. The right side of the nose of the forend shows a notable compression. The left side nose shows a small crack. The horn butt plate shows some surface level cracks and fraying in the fibers. There are some chips missing mostly around the edges. Overall the furniture set is in about Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are bright with no erosion or pitting. The bores show a few lines and minimal plastic fouling from use. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its finish. The bottom barrel has the signature Superposed rub mark from the forend. The barrels show scattered marks and small scratches with finish loss especially at the muzzles. The inside of the action shows some minor rub wear with minor pitting on the top edge from use. The lower part of the receiver, lower tang, trigger guard, trigger and upper tang all show finish loss. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this shotgun is in about Good+ condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. There is zero movement between the barrels and frame. The safety does NOT set automatically when the action is opened but functions properly when manually set. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Browning Superposed in 20 gauge from 1954 is a classic over-and-under shotgun that represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design from the mid-20th century. The Superposed line, designed by the legendary John Moses Browning and later refined by his son Val Browning, was the company’s flagship over-and-under shotgun, known for its impeccable build quality, elegant design, and reliable performance. Produced in Belgium by FN Herstal, these shotguns are highly regarded by collectors and shooters alike for their historic significance and enduring functionality. A 1954 model in 20 gauge with 26.5-inch barrels is particularly desirable due to its balance and versatility. The 20 gauge is a popular choice for upland bird hunting, and sporting clays because it offers a lighter recoil compared to the 12 gauge, while still providing sufficient power and shot capacity for effective performance in the field. The 26.5-inch barrels are a common length, contributing to quick handling and faster target acquisition, making this configuration ideal for fast-moving game and dynamic shooting sports. In terms of aesthetics, this 1954 example features a distinctive rounded action with classic scroll engraving, a Prince of Wales walnut stock with fine checkering, and the iconic lightning-style rounded forend that contributes to the gun’s graceful appearance and handling. The action is known for its strength and smooth operation, with a reliable trigger system that offers a crisp, consistent pull. The tang-mounted safety and barrel selector are intuitive and easy to operate, adding to the shotgun’s ease of use. Overall, this 1954 Superposed is a unique and highly functional firearm. An elegant look into the past of shotgun design available in the modern era.
