Make: Browning
Model: Midas Grade New Model Skeet
Serial Number: 23408 S70, All the serialized parts match. Engraved by Marie Louise Magis.
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Gauge: 12 Gauge 2.75" Shells
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and single selective inertial trigger. The safety does not automatically re-set.
Barrel Length: 26.5"
Choke: Fixed Skeet over Skeet.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a large Ivory bead affixed to the front of the rib. There is a smaller ivory mid bead. Both beads have turned yellow with age. The rib is finely checkered.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This shotgun has been fitted with an aftermarket Peterson's Custom recoil reducing stock made of checkered walnut. The length of pull at full extension is 14.5", the drop at comb and heel are both 1.5". The cast is essentially neutral. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 10oz. The exterior of the stock shows very little marks and handling wear with one small chip in the finish on the right side leading edge. The inside of the stock shows cracks that have been repaired. The recoil reducing feature is no longer functional. Once compressed it has to be manually set back. The butt pad shows only minor rub wear around the edges. The forend is the correct Superposed non-removable style tapered full finger shelf "Skeet" style forend. The forend shows only minor handling wear with no chips or cracks. Overall the forend is in about Excellent condition while the stock is in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued barrels and receiver with gold inlays.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion or pitting. There are some visible lines from use and barely visible plastic fouling in the forcing cones. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 93% of its finish. The inside of the action shows some very minor rub wear. The lower barrel shows the signature Superposed rub mark. The barrel set shows some minor scattered marks. The top of the rib shows the majority of the finish loss and some staining. Both sides of the tang lever show some surface rust. There is a minor nick to the left side of the top barrel. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall the shotgun is in about Very 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: Includes a Browning luggage style case.
Our Assessment: This Browning Superposed Midas Grade New Model Skeet was manufactured in Belgium in 1970 and represents one of the finest expressions of John M. Browning's legendary over-under shotgun. Built as a New Model Skeet, it features 26.5-inch barrels with fixed Skeet over Skeet chokes, making it an ideal choice for close-range clay targets and upland birds. The ventilated rib is fitted with ivory front and mid beads, while the receiver showcases exquisite game scene engraving by renowned FN master engraver Marie Louise Magis, highlighted with gold inlays depicting pheasants, grouse, and ducks. Midas Grade Superposed shotguns combine exceptional mechanical quality with some of the finest hand engraving ever offered on a production shotgun.
This example retains its original New Model Skeet forend, while the buttstock has been replaced with a Peterson's Custom all-walnut recoil-reducing stock, similar in concept to Browning's Hydro-Coil system. While no longer completely original, this Midas Grade remains a striking example of Belgian craftsmanship, showcasing world-class engraving, beautifully finished metalwork, and the timeless elegance that has made the Superposed one of the most admired over-under shotguns ever produced.
