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LOT 498
Gorgeous Factory Master Claudio Cremini Signed and Game Scene Engraved Bertuzzi Sidelock
Over/Under Shotgun Two Barrel Set with Case - Serial no. 5275, 12 gauge, 27 3/4 inch vent rib bbl., blue/
coin finish, walnut stock. Built with blued steel monobloc barrels featuring a single bead sight on the hand
filed vent rib, “ARMI Flli BERTUZZI” signed to the left of the chambers with “Acciaio U.M.6.” marked opposite,
1981 dated Italian proof marks on the flats along with a small “1”, import mark under the forend, fixed chokes,
and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the highly attractive coin finished
sidelock action which displays fine traditional scroll and bouquet engraving surrounding “Flli. BERTUZZI”
signatures on the left and “GARDONE V.T.” on the right as well as a trio of beautifully cut game scenes before
continuing onto the pierced toplever, triggerguard, both tangs, and the pierced toplever which is shaped like a mythical
creature. The lower tang has the serial number in gold. The game scenes consist of a flock of ducks lighting onto a pond on the left, four snipe in flight on the right
over a wetland scene, and a spaniel retrieving a downed woodcock in a wooded scene on the underside. The engraving is signed on the triggerplate to the right of
the trigger “Inc. C. Cremini” for renowned Italian Master Engraver Claudio Cremini. The gun features a single non-selective trigger, a right hand rolled triggerguard,
and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid indicator. The gun is fitted with a fantastic highly figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved coin
finished forend iron and a gold inlaid crest with “F.P.” inscribed as well as a straight hand stock with teardrop carved drop points and a thin red rubber recoil pad.
Included with the gun is a extra matching numbered 29 1/4 inch second set of barrels marked with a “2” on the flats as well as a nickel oiler and a factory oak and
leather takedown case that houses the action and just one barrel set, with interior lid label. Barrel measurements for set “2” (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from
the breech both proofed at 18.5mm (.732 inches) and measured .729/.730 inches; choke constriction .018/.034 inches; minimum wall thickness .034/.031 inches.
Barrel and stock measurements for set “1” (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured 18.6mm (.732 inches); choke constriction
.010/.027 inches; minimum wall thickness .035/.031 inches; 1 3/16 inch drop at comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 14 7/16 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs. 1 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% plus original blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence. The forend has two repaired chips on either side at the rear
due to the overly tight forend, and two small cracks on the left side. There is a slight gap between the head of the stock and the bottom of the action and a few
minor marks in the super fine checkering with a few pressure marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine and the extra barrel set is excellent. A great chance
to own a beautiful piece of Italian craftsmanship!
Estimate: 20,000 - 35,000
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