Page 433 - 88-BOOK2

LOT 1517
Superb “C. Tomasoni” Signed
African Big Five Game Scene
Bulino Engraved Beretta 455 EELL
Sidelock Double Rifle in .470 Nitro
Express with Case - Serial no. A45886A, 470 Nitro Express cal., 25 1/4 inch solid rib
bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. Massive blued Bohler Antinit Steel chopperlump
barrels with a ramped brass beaded blade front sight, two position (one standing,
one folding) rear sight with gold inlaid center lines on the matted rear quarter rib,
1996 dated Italian proofs, light engraving at either breech, and chambers with selective ejectors. The coin finished bolstered
hand detachable pinless sidelock action displays three exceptional game scenes depicting five of Africa’s famous Big Five. The left
lockplate shows a rhinoceros standing firm in a savanna scene, the right lockplate has a cape buffalo standing on alert looking over the high
grass, the underside of the action shows a massive bull elephant ready to charge, the toplever has a bust of a majestic lion, and the trigger guard
shows a leopard preparing to strike under a set of three letter initials. All three scenes have been carried out in highly detailed bulino style engraving with
the balance of the surface covered by broad leafy scroll over a matted background. The triggerplate is signed “C. Tomasoni”, for Italian Master Engraver Claudio
Tomasoni. The rifle features double triggers (front is articulated), bushed firing pins, a right hand rolled trigger guard, and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Beautiful
highly figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with coin finished engraved fittings and rotary lever release. The pistol grip stock is of the same exceptional quality with coin
finished and engraved trapdoor grip cap, raised cheek piece, coin finished and engraved cartridge trap, and Pachmayr Old English rubber recoil pad. Includes a factory Beretta takedown case. Length of pull 14 3/4 inches. Weight 11 lbs. 13 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence, and some scattered minor discoloration on the action. There is a crack at the toe, otherwise the wood is very fine with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is excellent. Do not miss the chance to own this outstanding piece of firearms art! Estimate: 50,000 - 80,000
431