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LOT 1597
Outstanding Factory Master Aldo Rizzini Panel Game Scene Engraved Bertuzzi 28 Gauge “Venere” Self-Cocking Single Trigger Double Barrel Hammer Ejector Shotgun - Serial no. 5826,
28 gauge, 27 1/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. The Bertuzzi brothers Remigio and
Elio built some of the finest bespoke guns Italy had to offer for 33 years at their small two man shop in Gardone Val Trompia. Building some 40-50 guns per year on a made to order basis, the brothers remained busy until closing up shop in 2009 with no one to leave the family business to, though fortunately the firm has recently been resurrected by Paolo Bertuzzi, son of Remigio, under the direction of his father and uncle. This gun is built with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single nickel bead sight on the matted flat solid rib, signed “ ARMI Flli BERTUZZI GARDONE VT ITALY” partially inlaid in gold, 1986 dated Italian proofs on the flats, and 2 3/4 inch chambers. The coin finished action is a very interesting mix of old and new in that it is a self-cocking exposed hammer gun with a single trigger and a set of automatic ejectors. The action was decorated by Aldo Rizzini showing his impressive level of skill with Purdey style bouquet & scroll engraving on all sides, on the hammers, toplever, and rolled edge triggerguard which has an area of negative space for initials. The underside of the action shows a deeply cut woodland scene of a pair of quail in a tree with one of them taking flight. Rizzini has signed his work “inc. Aldo Rizzini” on the triggerplate to the right of the trigger. Exceptionally well-figured, multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings, an Anson button release, and gold inlaid Bertuzzi crest. The straight grip stock is of
the same outstanding figure with teardrop carved drop points and engraved coin finished heel and toe plates around the checkered butt. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 13.9mm (.547 inches) and measured .548 inches; choke constriction .011/.025 inches; 1 1/4 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 5 lbs. 12 oz.