(C) LUIGI FRANCHI IMPERIALE MONTECARLO SHOTGUN WITH CASE

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018

Near the top of the Franchi line, this well crafted gun has 27 - 1/2" chopper lump barrels fitted with raised, matted game rib. Side of left barrel is engraved "S. A. LUIGI FRANCHI BRESCIA" "MADE IN ITALY". Barrel flats are stamped with 1950 Italian nitro proofs for 2 - 3/4" chambers. Bottoms of barrels have choke and steel information. Coin finished sidelock action with slightly rounded bar, features non-automatic safety, bushed strikers, and double triggers (front articulated). Action is engraved with full coverage floral wreathes and swags in a field of nicely cut small scroll. Bottom of action is engraved with makers name and address. These well done flowers and scroll extend to trigger guard and tang. Very finely marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 - 1/2" over Silver type pad. Fluted drop points are behind lockplates and well cut point pattern checkering is at grip. Matching splinter ejector forend with Anson release has gold inlaid Franchi crest engraved "Imperiale Montecarlo". Gun is housed in period brown leather case with brass plate on top, and lined in green felt. Brown leather Franchi label is in lid. CONDITION: Excellent, appears to be very close to new, with only a scattering of small handling marks in all surfaces, most noticeably a 1/2" x 1" scuffed area in grip checkering on right, and some marks on right side of right barrel. Bores are excellent. Mechanically excellent. Case is fine with some scuffs and rubs. Interior is fine. Label has some soiling. A "best" gun from the early '50's in remarkable original condition. The current no. 5 Imperiale Montecarlo made by Beretta retails at over $35000.00. MGM 182 CORRECTION: Spare forend and information card removed from this lot.

Item Dimensions: 32 x 8 x 3 - 1/2"

Name

Value

Accessories

Case

Barrel Length

27 - 1/2"

Barrel Wall Thickness

L .030 R .032

Chamber

2 - 3/4"

Choke

L .032 (full) R .015 (mod)