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LOT 1337
Exceptional and Provocative Documented Nude Themed
Masters Mario Terzi and Manuela Gualdi Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing 20 Gauge A.
H. Fox Boxlock Double Barrel Ejector Shotgun with Carved and
Inlaid Stock - Serial no. F205982, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
gold/enamel finish, walnut stock. Far from orthodox, this outstanding work of art is an
example of what can be accomplished by the hands of a master engraver. With the help of his son Davide and student Manuela Gualdi, Master Engraver Mario Terzi has transformed this traditional early twentieth century style American shotgun into something rare, a masterpiece unlike most have seen before. The blued steel barrels feature a single white bead sight on the concave matted solid rib, chambers marked 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors, gold inlaid barrel markings reading “KRUPP - FLUID - STEEL” and
“MADE TO ORDER A.H. FOX” on the left and right respectively,
and wedges of gold inlaid stars and a single gold band at either breech. The blued bolstered boxlock action is where Terzi and
his team really start to show off their talent and the reason that
they are known as the best in the world when it comes to colored enamel work. The left side of the action shows a nude woman reclining with a splash of blue flowers to either side of her. The
right hand side shows a nude woman lying in repose with sprays
of green flowers at her sides. The underside displays both a nude woman sitting observing her surroundings as well as another
nude in a ballet style pose both of which have light blue flowers
close at hand. All of this work is carried out in exceptionally fine
and simply stunning multi-color enamel in slightly raised relief to
the background. Surrounding the nudes is an intricate gold inlaid network of floral vine scroll and a repeating deep cut pattern of gold Maltese cross across both fences. The gold inlaid engraving extends
to the toplever, both tangs, and the triggerguard which also show bouquets of vibrant blue flowers. The engraving on this gun truly is something to behold. The triggerplate is signed on the left side “Terzi & Gualdi” in fine script. The gun features niter blued double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety switch with a gold inlaid “S”. The stock is breathtakingly beautiful with stunning contrast. The splinter forend shows gold inlay matching that of the action on the fittings,
gold line and star bordered fleur-de-lis checkering, and floral scroll carving towards the shoe. The straight grip stock shows the same floral carving at the flats and fleur-de-lis checkering both bordered
in gold line and stars and a blued skeleton buttplate with yet more gold inlaid vine scroll surrounding the checkered bare butt. This work is pictured and discussed on pages 128-131 of “Mario Terzi: Master Engraver” by Stephen Lamboy and Elena Micheli-Lamboy. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .616/.615 inches; choke constriction .011/.018 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.038 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 7/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 5 lbs. 15 oz.