April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Made in 1975, 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 26" chopper lump barrels are fitted with slightly raised, concave game rib with small brass front bead. Side of left barrel is engraved “Armi Famars” in script. Breech ends of barrels with line engraving. Barrel flats are stamped with “FAMARS”, serial number, Italian nitro proof date codes are absent. Rear lump is stamped with first names of craftsmen involved in the making of this fine gun: Remo (Salvinelli), Primo, and Tony. Semi-beavertail forend with Anson push button release which is deeply relief engraved and is checkered in two point pattern with A&S monogram in the middle. Coin finished sidelock action is nicely filed and features non-automatic safety and single non-selective trigger. Straight grip buttstock, with tear drops, behind action is checkered in two point pattern bordered checkering and has a 14-1/4" length of pull over a finely checkered butt. European walnut stocks are of fancy figure with gold inlaid initial monogram of "JEB" on top of comb. Action is incredibly engraved with near full coverage very deep cut shaded acanthus in background which is surrounding vignette of Diana, spear at her lap, after harvesting a mature bull elk with her hunting dog by her side on the left lock, and signed "K.C. Hunt" near bottom. Left barrel bolster is beautifully carved with mythical winged water dragon blowing fire. Bottom of action with deeply carved full polished nude of Amphitrite, Goddess of the Ocean, with perfectly executed gentle waves in the background and her hair flowing in the wind along with gorgeous deeply cut shell carving towards bottom. Right side of action, also signed "K.C. Hunt" is engraved in mythical sea pattern with young child on chariot near front and perhaps Leucothea, the sea goddess known for aiding sailors in distress at center surrounded by deeply cut waves and mountains in background. Right bolster mirrors left with winged water dragon blowing fire. Top of action is beautifully beaded and acanthus leaf relief engraved and this pattern flows through the top lever and top tang. Safety button is beautifully carved with a girl's face and inlaid gold "SAFE." Third engraver's signature found near trigger on right side "K.C. Hunt '75 England". Housed in its original light brown leather and red felt interior case with original A&S sleeves. Case with oil bottle and snap caps. CONDITION: Extremely fine as test fired only. Our consignor purchased this gun new in 1975 and has never fired it and it remains in near mint original condition. There is a small repair on right side of forearm near knuckle and a minor loss on left side. Buttstock with a couple of light impressions near butt on left side, otherwise minty with only very minor handling and assembly marks. Mechanics are in need of minor attention as they have gummed up for not being used in more than 40 years. Case is excellent with minor wear. This gun is an incredible rarity having been engraved by Ken Hunt and signed by him 3 times!
Accessories
Case with accessories
Barrel Wall Thickness
(L) .027 (R) .030
Internal Bore Diameter
(Both) .560