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LOT 1518
Factory Master Ferruccio Iora Signed, Game Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Armi Fabbri Sidelock Over/Under Shotgun Two Barrel Set with Case - Serial no. E444, 12 gauge, 28 inch vent rib bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Fabbri guns are some of the best and most exclusive in the world with only some 30 built per year. Built with a combination of advanced technology and old world craftsmanship, they are all truly works of art. Blued barrels with dual bead sights on the matted vent rib which is marked at the base with a gold inlaid “1”, gold inlaid barrel marking which read “-ARMI - FABBRI - BRESCIA - ITALY-” and unfilled “BOHLER SUPER BLITZ STEEL” on the left and right respectively, 1974 dated Italian proof marks, lower barrel with interchangeable choke (.018 installed), 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors, and light floral scroll engraving running around the upper breech. The coin greyed sidelock action displays absolutely fantastic floral scroll engraving surrounding a number of finely executed gold inlaid game scenes. The left lockplate has three oval scenes, one with a single snipe, one with a pointer on point, and one showing a trio of quail, the right side also shows three scenes with a black grouse, a pointing setter, and a trio of partridge, and the underside shows a trio of mallards in a single scene. The gun features gas checked firing pins, a single trigger, and a tang mounted safety switch. The triggerplate is signed “F. IORA INC.” for Italian Master Engraver Ferruccio Iora. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered forend with matching engraved fittings and a gold pigeon inlaid into the underside, and pistol grip stock with a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. Included is a second matching 28 inch barrel set with a gold “2” on the rib and 2 3/4 inch chambers. Also included is a wood and leather takedown case that houses the set and three extra choke tubes. Barrel measurements for set “2” (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 18.4mm (.724 inches) and measured .729/.728 inches; choke constriction .022/.035 inches; minimum wall thickness .033/.033 inches. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 18.4mm (.724 inches) and both measured .730 inches; choke constriction of upper barrel .031 inches; minimum wall thickness .033/.033 inches; 1 3/4 inch drop at comb; 1 3/4 inch drop at heel; 13 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 2 oz. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 90% plus original blue with much of the loss on the forend hardware and lower tang, 99% original gold and coin finishes, and minor handling evidence. The wood is also very fine with a hairline crack at the upper tang, some light dings and scratches, varnish thinning, and overall crisp checkering. The case and extra barrel are very fine. The safety does not function, otherwise mechanically excellent. Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000