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LOT 553
Breathtaking Master Armando Piardi of Creative Art Signed, Raised Relief Game Scene Engraved, and Multi-Color Gold Inlaid Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Co. 20 Gauge A. H. Fox Double Barrel Shotgun with Carved Stock - Serial no. F205962, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/multi-colored gold finish, walnut stock. Rock Island Auction Company may make guns such as this seem common, it is anything but. We have had the pleasure of selling others of this quality as of late, but opportunities to own outstanding guns such as this are fleeting and do not often arise. The work put into this gun is absolutely incredible and is
the work of a true master of the craft that is the bar other works are measured by and wish they could reach. The blued barrels feature
a single white bead sight on the matted concave solid rib and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are marked “KRUPP-FLUID-STEEL” and “MADE TO ORDER - A. H. FOX” on the right and left barrels respectively and displays single band of gold inlay at either breech as well as a flourish of fine gold inlaid scrollwork on the rib extension. The action is what sets this apart from so many others that simply cannot compare as it is extensively covered with fabulous multi-colored raised relief gold inlays over a gold washed background with multi-colored floral inlays. The left hand side shows a chukar, a grouse, and a Gambel’s quail, the underside displays
a quail, a woodcock, and a grouse, the right side has a setter with a quail and a pheasant, the trigger guard and lower tang show a partridge, pheasant, quail, and a woodcock, and the pierced top lever has a solitary pheasant. The inlays are cut in excruciating detail with texturing in the feathers giving the piece a real depth of feel. The casehardened finish on the action is visible in areas, just another detail that sets this gun apart. The right side of the trigger plate is signed “A. PIARDI Creative Art” for Italian Master Engraver Armando Piardi of the famous Creative Art collective. The gun features niter blued double triggers and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Highly figured, exhibition quality splinter forend and straight grip stock with deep floral scroll carving and fancy fleur-de-lis checkering, both bordered in fine gold wire inlays, and gold “RML” inlaid near the toe in block lettering. The butt is bare with more fleur-de-lis checkering and gold wire borders. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .619/.617 inches; choke constriction .008/.011 inches; minimum wall thickness .036/.037 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8
inch length of pull; weight 5 lbs. 14 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% of the lustrous blue, multi-colored gold inlays, and vibrant case colors. The wood shows
sharp checkering and carving with uninterrupted wire inlays. Mechanically excellent. This gun is truly something to behold, do not miss you chance to own this incredible piece of firearms high art!
Provenance: The Robert M. Lee Collection.
Estimate: 50,000 - 70,000