House of Browning

Matthew Sandefur Browning

1853-1923

Matt is often the largest of men hidden in the shadow of John Browning’s legacy, but that was not so during his life. Matt was the second son of Johnathan and Elizabeth Browning and was a lifelong companion of his older brother, John. He grew up working alongside Johnathan and John and became a talented stock maker. Matt’s true skill as a businessman excelled after his father’s death, managing the Browning Brothers Company. In fact, much of John Browning’s success can be attributed to Matt’s foresight in management. He expanded on the success of the small rifle factory and the Browning Brothers Company quickly became the largest sporting goods retailer in the Utah Territory. In addition to managing the Browning Brothers patent rights and product sales, domestically and internationally, Matt would go on to found, manage, and direct many organizations.

It is hard to say what role Matt played in the patented inventions that bear his name. As a rule the Browning brothers generally gave all inventive credit to John Moses. In fact, only John’s name appears on the first patent and it isn’t until Matt became full partner of the Browning Brothers Company in 1881 that he begins to be credited.

Cited as co-inventor in 34 U.S. patents: