October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Proofed in 1980, this finely crafted example certainly represents one of their attempts at combining the finest gun making with world class embellishment. Beautifully struck 27-3/4"" chopper lump barrels are fitted with slightly raised, tapered, flat game rib. Side of left barrel is engraved “Abbiatico & Salvinelli”. Barrel flats are stamped with serial number, 1980 Italian nitro proofs. Gunmakers Dante, Mario, Gian, Poli, Remo, and Tony's name can be found on the barrel lug. Coin finished, sidelock action is nicely filed and features non-automatic safety ("S" gold inlaid), and single trigger, and automatic ejectors. Action is fabulously engraved by Pedretti who is recognized as one of the world's greatest engravers of all time. Left lock plate shows a large covey of quail in farm scene with well executed trees and fence in the background. Right lock shows a covey of flying quail with spectacular detail in the birds and trees and mountains in the background. Bottom of action is engraved with ducks landing in marsh scene. The level of detail is superb and all of the engraving is surrounded by well cut floral pattern. Beaded barrel bolsters are floral and scroll engraved and top lever is engraved with quail. Single beaded long tang trigger guard has floral scroll matching that on barrel bolsters and serial number on tang. Finely figured European walnut straight grip buttstock terminates over checkered wood butt, and features very well cut flat top borderless two point pattern checkering on grip. Matching semi-beavertail ejector forend has Anson release, is checkered in two point pattern with engraved steel tip, and gold inlaid "A&S" company monogram at center. Housed in a brown leather case with red velvent interior which has A&S logo on top. CONDITION: Extremely fine and unfired since proof. This gun was ordered new by our consignor and has not been fired since proofing. The gun has only the very faintest of handling and assembly markings. Checkering is sharp. Mechanics are fine. Case is very good and original cloth sleeves from A&S are also included in the case. This gun is a fabulous work of art and this is an opportunity to buy a truly test fired only gun engraved by one of the world's top engravers. Simply breathtaking. JSL
Internal Bore Diameter
.550 (both barrels)