October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
(1968) This fine gun by this highly regarded Italian maker is virtually identical to the Merkel 403 E and was undoubtedly sourced from them. It has 27 - 1/2" demi bloc barrels with low matted, ventilated rib. Top barrel is engraved on left side "F PIOTTI GARDONE V T" and "ACCIAIO PHONIX" (steel type) on right. Barrels are stamped with 1968 Italian nitro proofs. Coin finished over/under action with H&H type detachable sidelocks features non-automatic safety, double Kersten bolt, raised arrowhead tumbler end cocking indicators, and double 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 thumb piece pierced and relief engraved in scroll and floral motif. Blued trigger guard has serial number 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". Gun comes with brown leather case with brass corners lined in dark green felt which contains cleaning rod, snap caps, and straps. CONDITION: Excellent, showing evidence of light field use. Blue of barrels silvered on top edges with a number of light marks and scratches. Coin finish of action is excellent. Blued trigger guard is considerably silvered at grip. Stocks have a number of light scratches and marks in their original rubbed oil finish. Checkering is lightly worn. Pad is relatively new. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are in time. Top barrel lock has broken main spring which should remedy easily with the work of a competent gunsmith. Case leather is excellent, with some light marks. Interior is excellent. MGM88.
Barrel Wall Thickness
(O) .029 (U) .026
Choke
(O) .031 (Full) (U) .021 (Mod)
Internal Bore Diameter
(BOTH) .728