GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
INTERESTING EARLY PIOTTI SIDELOCK EJECTOR OVER-UNDER GAME GUN WITH CASE AND BOOK "FLLI PIOTTI". PIOTTI OU MERKEL ACTION 3898 12 GA MODERN (1968) Cal. 12 GA. This fine gun by this highly regarded Italian maker is virtually identical to the Merkel 203E and was undoubtedly sourced from them. It has 27-1/2" demi-bloc bbls with low, matted, ventilated rib. Top bbl is engraved "F PIOTTI GARDONE VT" on left side, and "ACCIAIO PHONIX" on right. Bbls are stamped with 1968 nitro proofs. Coin finished OU action with H&H type detachable sidelocks, features non-automatic safety, double Kersten bolt, filed in arrow head tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front articulated). Action is engraved with near full coverage large, flowing, acanthus scroll. This engraving is somewhat deeper on fences and bolsters. Blued top lever has thumbpiece pierced and relief engraved in scroll and floral motif. Blued trigger guard has SN at grip. Well streaked and lightly figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/8" over Silver type pad, and has closely spaced point pattern checkering at grip. Three piece ejector forend has Deeley type release and silver oval at rear engraved with monogram "DR". Bore diameter: top -.728, bottom -.728. Bore restrictions: top -.031 (full), bottom -.021 (mod). Wall thickness: top -.029, bottom -.026. Drop at heel: 1-3/4", drop at comb: 1-5/16". Weight: 7 lbs 6 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". Brown leather case with brass corners and two combination locks is lined in dark green felt, and contains 3-pc beech and brass cleaning rod. Also included is the book FLLI PIOTTI ITALIAN FINE GUN MAKER by Nobili, where a similar gun to this, except in 20 ga is pictured on p 22 and 33, and where this type of gun is discussed on pages 23-24. PROVENANCE: Book: Flli Piotti. CONDITION: Excellent, showing evidence of light field use. Blue of bbls silvered on sharp edges with a number of light marks and scratches. Coin finish of action is excellent. Blued trigger guard considerably silvered at grip. Stocks have a number of light scratches and marks in their orig rubbed oil finish. Pad appears to be relatively new. Checkering is lightly worn and dirty. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is excellent with some light marks. Interior is excellent. 51630-2 MGM131 (8,000-12,000)