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LOT 3521
Stunning Pair of Factory Gian Marco Sabatti Signed and Master
Engraved Fratelli Rizzini 16 Gauge R1-E Sidelock Double Barrel
Shotguns with Case -A) Flli. Rizzini R1-E Shotgun - Serial no. 2354,
16 gauge, 31 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Fratelli Rizzini build only the finest guns, with just some 20 being built
by the firm every year creating a very long waiting list, reportedly as
long as five years, which is unsurprising given that each gun takes over
1,000 hours to complete! A pair of Rizzini guns like this one are a thing
of beauty, and, in this case, is nearly unique, given that, as of 2024, only
one other pair of 16 gauge guns has been completed according to
Rizzini. This pair is truly exceptional and is embodiment of fine Italian
craftsmanship, a tradition going back to the days of the Renaissance.
Each gun in the pair was built with blued steel chopperlump barrels
featuring a single bead sight on the smooth concave tapered solid
rib which is marked “Flli. RIZZINI MAGNO V.T.” along with a small gold
inlaid “1” or “2” at the base encompassed by a small flourish of foliate
scroll engraving. The guns both also feature a single band of engraving
at the breech, an import mark under the forend on the right tube, 2011
dated Italian proof marks, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with
automatic ejectors.
The barrels of each gun are fitted to a vibrantly case colored sidelock
bar-action which displays highly attractive and brilliantly executed
English style bouquet and scroll engraving surrounding “Flli. RIZZINI”
signatures on either lockplate as well as “Flli. RIZZINI/MAGNO V.T.”
engraved on the underside. The engraving then continues off of the
action and onto the toplever where it surrounds a gold inlaid “1” or “2”,
the trigger guard, and both tangs, the bottom of which is inlaid with
the serial number in fine gold. Each gun is signed on the triggerplate
to the right of the guard “GIAN MARCO SABATTI INC” for the highly
regarded Italian Master Engraver who carried out the embellishment.
The guns both feature double nitre blued triggers with articulated
front, nitre blued tumbler pivots, and a tang mounted automatic safety
with gold inlaid “S” indicator.
The guns are both fitted with a stunning beautifully figured and very
fine flat-top checkered splinter forend with blued engraved iron and an
Anson button release inlaid with another gold “1” or “2”. The Prince of
Wales pistol grip stocks are of the same exceptional quality and beauty
and feature gold inscription ovals with three letter monograms and
blued and engraved heel and toe plates around a checkered bare butt.