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Early Signed Funken Engraved Browning Grade III .22 Caliber Semi-Automatic Rifle with Wheel Rear Sig

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,250.00 USD
Early Signed Funken Engraved Browning Grade III .22 Caliber Semi-Automatic Rifle with Wheel Rear Sig
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Estimate: $3000 - 4250
Manufactured in Belgium and engraved by Browning Master Engraver Felix Funken. The receiver has floral scroll engraving with a wooded scene of a hunting dog chasing game birds on the left side, a hunting dog chasing ducks in a wooded marsh scene on the right side and a hunting dog with a rabbit in its mouth on top. The lower right side is signed "FUNKEN". The top of the barrel is marked "BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS MO/MADE IN BELGIUM" ahead of the rear sight, "22 LONG RIFLE" on the left rear and "BROWNING PATENTS" on the right side. The barrel is fitted with a blade front and early "wheel" rear sight found on these rifles manufactured from 1956 to 1960. The matching serial number is marked on the buttplate and front of the receiver. Blue barrel, French gray receiver and mounted with a skip line, multi-point checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a serrated steel buttplate.
BBL: 19 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22 LR
Finish: blue/French gray
Grips:
Serial Number: T4559
Condition: Excellent. The barrel retains 99% original blue finish with a small amount of light spotting on the muzzle end. The buttplate retains 97% original blue finish with some thinning on the heel and toe. The receiver retains all of the original French gray finish and exhibits sharp engraving. The wood is also excellent with only a few small minor pressure dents on the stock and sharp checkering. The markings remain crisp and clear. The action is excellent.