Details of Lot 197
MASQUELIER
A SCARCE BELGIAN 12-BORE "SUPERBRITTE" SIDE OPENING OVER AND UNDER GUN, NO. 258

28 1/2-inch monobloc barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about 1/2 and full choke borings, narrow file cut ventilated rib and side extension, the barrels signed "Manufacture d'Armes Deluxe, Masquelier, Liège-Belgique", the rounded frame and push-down side lever engraved with foliate scrollwork entwined with flowing ribbons and rose bouquets, the trigger plate signed by the engraver "R Smeets", 15-inch well figured swan-neck stock including 3/4-inch ebonite extension, 6lb. 14oz., Belgian nitro proof

Patented by Theophile Britte in 1931, the "Superbritte" side-opening over and under gun was produced in relatively limited numbers prior to 1939 and it is thought that as few as 250 examples were manufactured. Manufactured by Britte, a renowned supplier to the Belgian trade who counted Lebeau Courally and Auguste Francotte as customers, the guns were usually retailed by Jules Bury and by Masquelier, both dealers and manufacturers of high grade arms in Liège.

With its distinctive action and very low centre of gravity, the gun has very quick and pointable handling characteristics. The action is as shallow as it can be and reloading is remarkably quick.

Engraved examples are especially scarce as the majority were finished in a plain way with a blacked frame and border engraving.

S2

Sold for £14000
Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns
Sotheby's, Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
2 September 2013
Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply