GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
EXQUISITE .410 ABBIATICO & SALVINELLI JOREMA SIDELOCK EJECTOR OVER-UNDER GAME GUN WITH EXCEPTIONAL SMALL SCROLL BY SABATTI AND WONDERFUL BULINO SCENES FEATURING DIANA GODDESS OF THE HUNT BY GALEAZZI AND CASE.ABBIATICO & SALVINELLIO/U585410GAMODERN(1983) Cal. 410. 3" Chambers. This dainty little gun was made during the time when Mario Abbiatico and Remo Salvinelli set out to build the world's finest guns. For the most part they succeeded, and this wonderful gun represents a combination of top notch gunmaking coupled with embellishment by some of the greatest Italian engravers. Beautifully struck 27" demi-bloc bbls are fitted with narrow, ventilated rib, inlaid in gold "Abbiatico & Salvinelli" on left side of top bbl. Bottom flat is stamped with 1983 Italian nitro proofs, SN and "A&S". Diminutive, coin finished, low profile, OU sidelock action is nicely filed and features non-automatic safety (S inlaid in gold), and single non-selective trigger. "8" is gold inlaid on top strap under top lever. Action is engraved with near full coverage very well cut minuscule scroll surrounding oval vignette of Diana, quiver over her shoulder, carrying her bow, about to ready an arrow, as she strolls through open woodlands accompanied by her greyhound. This scene is nearly identical to that illustrated in plate XLV on page 186 of MODERN FIREARM ENGRAVINGS by Mario Abbiatico. Lockplates continue the theme of Diana; she is shown on left plate being dressed and reequipped after her bath by attending nymphs. Right side shows Diana seated on rock, quiver on ground, as she removes her sandals, preparing for her bath. Scene on bottom of action is not signed, but the two lockplate scenes are signed "Galeazzi" (Fausti highly regarded engraver, whose brother, Angelo, made a specialty of depicting Diana in his work. The texture and detail are captured exceptionally well, and the engraving of this fine gun is exceptional. Trigger plate is signed "INGLESINA SABATTI G. INC." (Gianmarco Sabatti) who was responsible for the intricate scroll, which continues onto small bow single beaded trigger guard, which also has SN gold inlaid on tang. Attractive, nicely streaked, and lightly marbled flesh-toned European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/8" over checkered wood butt, and features drop points and well cut, closely spaced, point pattern borderless checkering on slightly diamond grip. Matching slim one piece ejector forend has unusual Deeley type release with bolt actuated by sliding button fully relief cast and engraved with "A & S" crest at central diamond. Diameters at muzzles: top -.385 (full?), bottom - .405 (IC?). Drop at heel: 2-1/8", drop at comb: 1-1/4". Cast: approx 1/2" off. Weight: 5 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". Dark tan leather case with stitched leather corners by Nizzoli, is lined in purple velvet, and has brown leather A&S label stitched into lid, with velcro compartment holding build card, listing craftsmen involved in the building of this fine gun, including Dante, Mario (Abbiatico), Poli, Remo (Salvinelli), and Tony, along with engraver "Fausto Galeazzi". Case is semi-french fitted for gun and bbls, and contains a bag with pair of spare mainsprings and firing pins, along with the key. CONDITION: Excellent, very close to new, with only a few very faint light scratches on metal surfaces, with handling and assembly marks, and with a few scratches and minor dings in wood, mostly on right side of buttstock. Mechanically excellent, appears essentially unfired since proof. Case leather is excellent with a few compressions and rubs. Interior cloth shows some compressions and very light soiling from bbls. 50819-12 MGM171 (40,000-60,000)