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LOT 1453
Outstanding Master Albino Contessa Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Fratelli Rizzini .410 Bore R-1E Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 1852, 410 gauge, 27 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Guns built by Fratelli Rizzini are a real rarity. Building only around 25 guns a year, this small Italian firm focuses on making some of the highest quality guns on the planet with every one being a piece of art, and this fantastic piece is no exception to that rule.
The gun features blued steel barrels with a single steel bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is marked “ARMI FLLI. RIZZINI MAGNO V. T.” and shows a flourish of scroll engraving at the base, single thin bands of engraving at either breech, 1996 dated Italian proofs, and 3 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The coin finished sidelock action displays fantastic beautifully cut Purdey style bouquet & scroll engraving with “FLLI RIZZINI” on either lockplate. The underside of the action shows more of the outstanding scrollwork along with a gold inlaid quail flushing from cover in the high grass rendered in ultra-high detail. The bouquet & scroll extends from the action to the toplever, trigger guard, and both tangs, the lower of which is marked with the hand cut serial number. The gun is signed on the trigger plate “A. Contessa”
for the renowned Italian Master Engraver Albino Contessa. The gun features a single non-selective trigger and tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid “S”
in the safe position. Exceptional, exhibition quality, multi-point checkered splinter forend with bouquet & scroll engraved fittings including the Anson button release, and straight grip stock with gold inscription oval marked “COOK” and a checkered bare butt. Included with the gun is a wood and leather takedown case with factory label and data sheet on the interior lid, a pair of nickel snap caps, and a nickel oiler. Stock measurements: 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 5 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus original blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence, some light rubbing towards the muzzles, a scratch on the right barrel near the breech, a few scattered tiny scratches in the wood, a few pressure marks on the butt at the heel, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The case is very fine with some light wear. Mechanically excellent. Do not miss your chance to own this outstanding piece of firearms art from one of the world’s premier makers! Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000
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