GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
FINE SMALL GAUGE LUIGI FRANCHI "IMPERIALE MONTE CARLO EXTRA" SIDELOCK GAME GUN WITH CASE.FRANCHISXS IMPERIAL MONTE CARLO1394820GAMODERN; C&R(1960) Cal. 20 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 25" Chopper lump bbls with raised, matted, game rib, are engraved "S. A. Luigi Franchi Brescia MADE IN ITALY" on side of left bbl. Bbl flats are stamped with 1960 Italian nitro proofs for 2-3/4' chambers, and engraved with importers name and address (British Sporting Arms). Bottoms of bbls are stamped with steel type, SNs, and proofs. Coin finished sidelock action features automatic safety (SICURA engraved), bushed strikers, third fastener, H&H type detachable locks, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with full coverage well cut very small scroll, as background to swags of roses and other flowers. Bottom of action is engraved with makers name and address. Blued trigger guard is engraved to match with SN on tang. Very fine, nicely marbled and lightly figured, dense European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/4" over checkered wood butt, and features standard point pattern checkering. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release, and nicely inlet gold device engraved with grade (Imperiale Monte Carlo) on central diamond. Bore diameter: left -.625, right - .625. Bore restrictions: left - .006 (IC), right - .001 (cyl). Wall thickness: left - .022, right - .024. Drop at heel: 2-1/2", drop at comb: 1-7/16". Weight: 6 lbs. 6 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". Good quality leather case with stitched leather corners is lined in burgundy cloth, and has white cardboard Franchi label in lid. Case contains a pair of snap caps and a small semi-beavertail forend (sans metal) which appears to be for this gun. CONDITION: Excellent, with little evidence of use, with only some minor marks in what appear to be orig finishes. There has been some cleaned flash rust on lumps and bottom of bbl, which have browned. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is excellent, but shows many scuffs. Straps and handle are fine. Interior cloth is excellent with some rubs. Label has some dings. Spare forend is excellent. A fine high grade gun from 1960. 50687-3 mgm32 (8,000-12,000)