GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
EARLY ABBIATICO & SALVINELLI "VENERE EXTRA LUSSO" SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUN WITH FINE SCROLL AND EXCEPTIONAL BULINO SCENES FEATURING DIANA GODDESS OF THE HUNT BY GALEAZZI WITH CASE. ABBIATICO & SALVINELLI SXS VENERE EXTRA LUSSO 31958 12GA MODERN Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. This gun was made just before Mario Abbiatico and Remo Salvinelli changed their numbering system, and set out to build some of the world's best guns. This finely crafted example certainly represents one of their initial attempts combining the finest gun making with exceptional embellishment. Beautifully struck 27" chopper lump bbls are fitted with slightly raised, concave game rib. Side of left bbl is engraved "ARMI" "FAMARS". Bbl flats are stamped with "FAMARS", SN, 1975 Italian nitro proofs. Coin finished, sidelock action is nicely filed and features non-automatic safety (SICURA engraved), and dbl triggers (front articulated). Action is engraved with near full coverage very well cut swags of acanthus in a background of small scroll with some floral highlights, 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 right plate being dressed and reequipped by attending nymph, after her bath, with bow and vanquished quarry by her side. Left side shows Diana seated on rock, quiver on ground, as she removes her sandals, as she prepares for her bath, with greyhounds and nymphs in attendance. Scene on bottom of action is not signed, but the two lockplate scenes are signed "Galeazzi", most likely Angelo, highly regarded master engraver, who made a specialty of depicting Diana in his work. He captures texture and detail exceptionally well, almost photographically, and the engraving of this fine gun is close to perfection. Single beaded trigger guard has scroll matching that on action, and SN is on tang. Finely marbled and figured, red-toned European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/8" over checkered wood butt, and features very well cut flat top borderless point pattern checkering on slightly diamond grip. Matching beavertail ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.726, right - .726. Bore restrictions: left - .027 (IMod), right - .010 (IC). Drop at heel: 2-1/8", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Cast: approx 1/8" on. Weight: 6 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". Tan leather case with stitched leather corners is lined in scarlet velvet and has tan A&S label stitched into lid. Case is semi-french fitted for gun and bbls. CONDITION: Excellent, essentially as new, with only the faintest of handling and assembly marks on wood and metal finishes. Mechanically crisp, appears unfired since proof. Case leather has considerable soiling and scuffs. Interior cloth shows compressions, but little soiling from contact with gun. An incredible example of gunmaking and artistry. 50819-28 MGM172 (35,000-55,000)