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LOT 1448
Exceptional Factory Master Diego Bonsi Signed and Game Scene Engraved P. Beretta .410 Bore
SO9 Pinless Sidelock Over/Under Shotgun with Case - Serial no. AAA171B, 410 gauge, 26 1/2 inch
vent rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. Blued Bohler Antinit Steel barrels with a single nickel bead
sight on the matted solid rib which is marked “P. Beretta” near the breech surrounded by fine floral scroll.
The barrels have chambers marked 3 inches with automatic ejectors, 1995 dated Italian proofs, and
chokes marked improved cylinder/modified. The handsomely coin finished, diminutive pinless sidelock
action displays highly attractive tight scrollwork along with a trio of fine game bird scenes and a “P. BERETTA”
signature on the left, right, and underside. The left lockplate shows a pair of quail in flight over an upland
wooded scene, the underside displays a pair of grouse in flight over a field of tall grass, and the right lockplate has
a pair of grouse in flight over a wooded field scene. The scrollwork extends to the triggerguard which has a blank initial area, the toplever with its gold inlaid crown, and both tangs showing hand cut serial numbers and model markings. The piece is signed “D. BONSI” on the triggerplate to the right of the triggerguard for Italian Master Engraver Diego Bonsi of the famous Bonsi Brothers firm. Other examples of Diego Bonsi’s work can be seen on pages 38 and 39 of “Il Grande Libro Delle Incisioni” by Marco E. Nobili. The gun features a single trigger, right hand rolled triggerguard, and a tang mounted manual safety switch with gold inlaid “S” safety marking. Exceptional, highly figured, multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings and straight grip stock with checkered bare butt. Includes an oak & leather takedown case containing turnscrews. Stock measurements: 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 9/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 4 lbs. 15 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and 98% original coin finishes with minor handling marks, minor spots discoloration on the left side of the receiver ahead of the lockplate, some tiny spots of discoloration on the lower tang, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The case is very fine with light storage wear. Mechanically excellent. This piece certainly lives up to Beretta’s reputation as one of the world’s best fine arms makers.
Estimate: 20,000 - 35,000
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