April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
People "in the know" sit up and take notice when a gun by Enrico Desenzani is mentioned. He made approximately ten bespoke guns per year, all of the highest quality. Like Ivo Fabbri, a good portion of his production was for OU pigeon and other target guns. His game guns are truly sublime. This wonderful light 12 bore game gun has 26-3/4" chopper lump barrels fitted with slightly swamped game rib. "Desenzani & C. Brescia" is engraved on top of left barrel. There are very fine gold lines at breech ends of barrels. Barrel flats are stamped with 1984 Italian nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers, along with serial number, "DE" logos, and importers name and address (BSA NY Millbrook). Coin finished round bodied sidelock action features non-automatic safety (SIGURA engraved), bushed strikers, and double triggers (front articulated). Action is engraved with 70% coverage exceptionally well cut small scroll with floral highlights. Rounded lockplates are not engraved with scroll and scenes extend to the edges. Lockplates and bottom of action portray intricately detailed and wonderfully shaded Bulino 19th century western hunting scenes, after Frederic Remington. Left lock has a famous action packed scene of three mounted hunters lassoing and subduing a grizzly bear. One has roped the bear by the back leg, another has charged in and is about to encircle the bear with his lasso. Another rider in distance, hat blowing off in the wind, is turning his mount in preparation to further ensnare the beast. Two other riders, in the distance, are watching the proceedings. This action takes place in an open meadow with dramatic clouded sky in background. Right lockplate portrays triumphant mounted hunter, rifle being held high, approaching another hunter on foot, doffing his hat, with fallen elk in foreground. A string of pack horses is in the background. This scene takes place in open western highlands with mountain peaks in background. Bottom of action is engraved with scene of mounted mountain man riding along stream bed with mesa in background. Both lockplate scenes are signed "Galeazzi" (the very highly regarded late Angelo, who specialized in fine Bulino scenes). This particular work could be considered a masterpiece. Scroll continues onto single beaded trigger guard bow and tang, which has serial number in gold. Buttstock of wonderfully marbled, somewhat burl figured flesh toned European walnut measures 14-1/8" over fully skip line checkered wood butt. Well cut point pattern checkering is on semi-diamond hand. Matching splinter ejector forend with Anson release has gold Desenzani crest inlet on central uncheckered diamond. Gun is housed in brown leather case by Nizzoli. Case is lined in burgundy cloth, and has white leather Desenzani label stitched into lid. Bottom compartment is semi-French fitted for barrels and action, and contains a pair of snap caps. CONDITION: Excellent, with evidence of only very light field use with only a scattering of light marks on butt. Coin finish is excellent with only a hint of darkening on sides and fences. Bores are excellent. Mechanically excellent. Case is very fine with only a very few light marks in exterior. Interior is excellent. MGM 15.
Choke
(L) .038 - Full (R) .015 - Mod
Internal Bore Diameter
(L) .727 (R) .726