May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2020
(1971) Six sets of barrels, two each of 20, 28, and .410 gauge, all are of dovetail construction, and fitted with slightly raised matted, ventilated ribs with ivory beads. Barrel sets are inlaid in gold with "I" "II" and "III" for tightly choked barrel sets, and "1" "2" and "3" for open choke sets. Breech ends are engraved with 1" fields of well cut rose and scroll in shaded background with corresponding 1/2" triangles at muzzles. Ends of muzzles are also scroll engraved. Each barrel set has its own dedicated semi beavertail ejector forend with corresponding numbers and numerals on forend tips. Barrel flats are stamped with 1971 Italian nitro proofs, serial numbers, and A&S logos. Coin finished sidelock action features non-automatic safety, bushed strikers, and single non-selective trigger. It is extensively and masterfully engraved and gold inlaid by the celebrated Angelo Galeazzi, whose signature appears on trigger plate. (This very gun is pictured on pages 120 and 121 of MODERN FIREARMS ENGRAVINGS by Mario Abbiatico.) This sublime engraving consists of a field of semi relief open acanthus scroll with shell and vase highlights in a dot matrix background. This superb scroll serves as a backdrop for classically inspired gold inlays of a woman's face in various poses on lockplates. The portraits on the left lock are of a young woman, while those on the right appear to be the same woman of advancing years. These portraits are surrounded and accentuated by a scattering of rose blossoms. All gold work is very lifelike due to superb use of bulino shading. (These details are not discernible in book photographs.) On front portions of lockplates, spilling down onto action, are a pair of dragons in gold flanking "FAMARS" on left and "Italy" on right in central shields. Bottom of action has more scroll and portrays a young dancing boy in gold holding a wine glass. This figure is also flanked by splashes of gold roses and dragons heads. A greenman in gold is on trigger plate in front of trigger guard bow. Single beaded trigger guard also scroll engraved, is inlaid with "B" in gold at center of bow. Serial number is in gold on tang. Fences are full relief carved in acanthus scroll with dragons heads scrolling toward tops. One cannot say enough about the quality and attention to detail in this engravers masterpiece. Well marbled and nicely fiddle figured European walnut pistol grip buttstock with Monte Carlo comb measures 14" over checkered wood butt. Sculpted drop points are behind lockplates, and well cut closely spaced fancy pattern checkering is at grip. The monogram "JEB" is inlet in gold on heel behind Monte Carlo. All six forends with Anson releases match well, and central diamonds are inlet with gold shields flanked by oak leaves engraved "FAMARS". Gun and all six barrel sets are housed in large dark leather covered case with stitched leather corners. Interior is lined in green cloth with three FAMARS shield logos printed in lid. Bottom section is semi-French fitted for action, barrels, and three sets of snap caps. Only one set (28 gauge) is present. CONDITION: Gun and barrels appear to be essentially "as new" with scant evidence of ever having been fired. Gun has been in storage a long time and congealed oil on extractors, etc. needs to be addressed. Otherwise there are only a very few very light handling marks and scratches in all wood and metal finishes, most notably some compressions in wood at top of left lockplate. On barrel set "2" ejectors are strong and in time, (others not tested due to congealed oil on extractors). Trigger appears to work well. Case is excellent with scratches and marks on exterior. Interior has some rubs. An unusual one-of-a-kind set with masterpiece engraving. MGM9.
Barrel Wall Thickness
3) L.038 R.040 III) L.040 R.034 2) L.030 R.029 II) L .032 R .032 1) L .040 R.040 I) L.038 R .042
Chamber
1-3) 2-3/4" and I - III) 3"
Choke
1) SKEET and SKEET I ) IC and Full
Drop at Comb
1 - 1/2" Rear of Monte Carlo: 1 - 15/16"
Gauge
.410 Bore / 28 Bore / 20 Bore
Length of Pull
14" cast 3/8 off
Weight
28 - "2": 6 lbs 13 oz