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LOT 3468
Wonderful Factory Master Silvano Venzi Signed,
Game Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Piotti
20 Gauge King EELL Sidelock Double Barrel
Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 7947, 20 gauge, 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut
stock. Piotti is among the finest gunmaking firms in Italy and produces exceptionally high quality pieces that would be at home in
the finest sporting arms collections in the world. This gun is built with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single bead sight
on the matted solid rib, “ACCIAIO SIAU U.M.6.” and “FLLI PIOTTI-ITALY” marked on the right and left tubes respectively, single band of
engraving at the breech, 1983 dated Italian proofs on the flats, import mark under forend, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic
ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a coin finished sidelock action which displays lovely scroll engraving surrounding a gold inlaid serial
number on the lower tang, a gold coronet on the toplever, and a trio of game scenes, all of which are rendered in high detail. The scenes
depict a gold inlaid Tom turkey with two hens foraging for food on the left side, a gold inlaid trio of grouse in flight over a field on the right, and a beaver by the riverside on the underside.
The engraving is signed “INC-VENZI-S.” on the triggerplate to the right of the trigger for Italian engraver Silvano Venzi. The gun features bushed firing pins, a single non-selective trigger, and
manual tang mounted safety with a gold inlaid “S” indicator. The gun is fitted with a highly attractive well-figured and multi-point checkered semi-beavertail forend with engraved fittings,
gold Piotti logo, and an Anson button release as well as a straight grip stock with a checkered bare butt. Includes a wood and leather takedown case. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L):
bore diameter nine inches from the breech proofed and measured at 15.8mm (.622 inches); choke constriction .012/.015 inches; minimum wall thickness .025/.028 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at
comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/16 inch length of pull; weight 5 lbs. 12 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% original blue, coin, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence. The wood is very fine with some pressure marks and tiny chips around the action, a
few scratches, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with some transit wear. Don’t miss this opportunity to own this fine Italian piece of firearms art!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000