Page 403 - 4092-BOOK2-FLIPBOOK

During the Johnson administration, F.D.R. Jr. led the new Equal Opportunity Commission in 1965-1966. He was also connected to various business ventures, including as an importer of European cars through his business, Roosevelt Automobile Company, Inc., which was
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Jr.
founded in 1957 and imported both Italian Fiats and English Jaguars.
He sold the business in 1970, but he remained a consultant for Fiat Distributors U.S.A. until 1983 when Fiat discontinued operations in the U.S. His connections to Italy, including a noted friendship with Gianni Agnelli of Fiat, are likely related to his acquisition of the pair, potentially as a gift from his wealthy Italian friend.
Each gun was built with blued Whitworth steel chopperlump barrels
featuring a single bead sight and a gold “1” or “2” at the base. The barrels
are marked “E.SC. WHITWORTH & CO. L.T.D. H.C.R.S. STEEL” and “FABIO
ZANOTTI DA BOLOGNA” on the top of the right and left tube respectively,
“MODELLO-EXTRA PER L’ARMERIA S.C.R.M. MILANO” retailer marking on
the side of the left tube, and 1963 dated Italian proofs on the flats. The
barrels of each gun are mated to a beautifully casehardened Holland & Holland
pattern sidelock action which displays extensive near full coverage scroll
engraving over a nicely matted background surrounding “FABIO ZANOTTI”
banners on either lockplate and “FABIO ZANOTTI/DA BOLOGNA” on the
underside before continuing onto the triggerguard, both tangs, and a
pierced toplever which is also marked with a gold “1” or “2”. Both guns
feature gold plated cocking arms, bright lock pins, double triggers, and
a tang mounted automatic safety with a gold inlaid “S” indicator. The
guns are both fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered
splinter forend with engraved shoe and Anson button release as well as
a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, a gold inscription
oval marked “F.D.R/Jr.”, and a checkered bare butt. Included with the guns
is the factory oak and leather trunk style takedown case that houses both
guns with “F.D.R. Jr.” marked on the exterior lid and a hang tag marked
“FROM Lovat Estates, Estate Office, Beauly” and “Mr. Franklin D Roosevelt”
along with a second small tag marked MR. & MRS/ROSSEVELT”. Lovat Estates has been the manager of the Fraser Clan Chiefs’
estate which dates back some 700 years, their connection to Mr. Roosevelt is unknown, though it is likely the guns were used to hunt with him in the Scottish Highlands, the ancestral home of Clan Fraser. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .732/.733 inches; chambers measure 3 inches with automatic ejectors; choke constriction .017/.032 inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.023 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 13/16
inch drop at heel; 15 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% original blue finish, 70% original case colors with the balance a fine silver, crisp engraving, and a few minor handling
marks. The wood is also excellent with a few minor dings and scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is fair with some separating and detached handle. B) Fabio Zanotti Shotgun - Serial no. 4500, 12 gauge, 27 7/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .732/.730 inches; chambers measure 3 inches with automatic ejectors; choke constriction .016/.032 inches; minimum wall thickness .022/.025 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 13/16 inch drop at heel; 15 1/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 11 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue with some loss on the lower tang, 70% original case colors with the balance a fine silver, minor handling evidence, and crisp engraving. The wood is very fine with a fews scratches, a small repaired chip at the toe, and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is a great opportunity to own an outstanding pair with an equally outstanding pedigree!
Provenance: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr; Private Collection.
Estimate: 45,000 - 65,000
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