Details of Lot 204
A SCARCE BELGIAN 12-BORE "SUPERBRITTE" SIDE-OPENING OVER AND UNDER EJECTOR GUN, NO. 279
27 1/2-inch monobloc barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about 1/2 and full choke borings, narrow file cut rib and side extensions, the rounded frame and push-down side lever engraved with foliate scrollwork entwined with flowing ribbons and rose bouquets, 14 3/4-inch well figured stock, 6lb. 14oz., Belgian nitro proof
S2

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.

Sold for £19000
Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns
Gleneagles, Scotland
28 August 2017
Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply