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LOT 552
Outstanding Cased Consecutively Numbered Pair of Aldo Rizzini Signed, Gold Inlaid, and Game Scene Engraved Perazzi 20 Gauge DHO Sidelock Double Barrel Shotguns -A) Perazzi DHO Sidelock Shotgun - Serial no. 5439, 20 gauge, 26 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish,
walnut stock. Perazzi is among the most famous names in competition shotguns, but they are also the makers of some of the finest game guns out there, and this set puts that on full display. Blued Special steel chopperlump barrels with a single brass bead sight on the matted flat solid rib which is marked with a gold “I” at the base, Perazzi factory marking on the left barrel, import mark under the forend, 1968 dated Italian proofs, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The coin finished sidelock action displays light scroll border engraving surrounding three individual game scenes. The left lockplate shows a pair of quail in flight in a mountainous scene, the right lockplate has a capercallie cock and hen in a forested mountain scene, and the underside shows another capercallie, this time as a close-up. All three scenes are rendered in high detail showing exceptional use of lighting in the backgrounds giving them great depth. The trigger guard bears the initials “vg” inlaid in fine gold wire and “I” in gold on the toplever. The triggerplate is signed “ARizzini”, for Master Engraver Aldo Rizzini, whose work is featured in the authoritative book on Italian engraving “Il Grande Libro Delle Incisioni” by Nobili. The gun features lockplate mounted cocking indicator, a single trigger, and a tang mounted automatic safety switch. Exceptional, highly figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings, including the Anson button release which is marked with a gold “I”, and a straight grip stock with blank gold inscription oval and a red rubber recoil pad. Included is a wood and leather takedown case that houses both guns. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 15.9mm (.626) and measured .629/.630 inches; choke constriction .020/.034 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.027 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 6 oz.