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LOT 1562
Factory Engraved Luigi Franchi Imperiale Monte Carlo
Extra Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 14895,
12 gauge, 27 5/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. Blued
Bohler Antinit steel barrels with a dual white bead sight on the matted concave solid
rib, import mark under forend, 1971 dated Italian proofs, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors.
The coin finished sidelock action displays beautifully executed extensive floral scroll engraving covering nearly the entire
surface, including the toplever, trigger guard, and both tangs. The gun features bushed firing pins, a single trigger, right hand rolled trigger guard,
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LOT 1563
and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Highly figured, multi-point checkered beavertail forend with engraved fittings, including the Anson button release, and a gold inlaid emblem with a coronet over “IMPERIALE-MONTECARLO-EXTRA”. The equally highly figured pistol grip stock features teardrop carved flats, shield inlaid in grip cap marked “Pugre”, and a ventilated rubber recoil pad. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 18.5mm (.728 inches) and measured .730/.729 inches; choke constriction .018/.040 inches; minimum
wall thickness .028/.031 inches; 1 1/16 inch drop at comb; 1 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 5/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with minimal handling evidence and some slight discoloration on the upper tang. The recoil pad is deteriorating; otherwise, the
wood is very fine with some minor marks and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 8,500 - 12,000
Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid Vincenzo Bernardelli Sidelock Double Barrel
Shotgun - Serial no. 2470, 12 gauge, 28 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Blued steel barrels
with a single white bead sight on the matted solid rib, entire top surface of both barrels matted, 1973 dated Italian proofs, import mark under forend, 2 3/4 inch chambers with ejectors, and bands of engraving at either breech. The coin finished hand detachable sidelock action displays attractive light scrollwork surrounding banners reading “V. BERNARDELLI” on the left
and “R. INNOCENTI” on the right, both in fine gold inlay, as well as a gold inlaid mallard on the toplever. The gun
features bushed firing pins, a single non-selective trigger, and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Attractive,
highly contrasting straight grain, multi-point checkered beavertail forend and pistol grip stock with factory brown
rubber recoil pad. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved
and measured at 18.6mm (.732 inches); choke constriction .033/.040 inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.026
inches; 1 1/16 inch drop at comb; 1 9/16 inch drop at heel; 14 7/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 8 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 99% original blue finish, 95% original coin finish with some areas of discoloration,
light handling evidence, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,500 - 10,000