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LOT 1464
Exceptional Factory Albino Contessa Signed, Master Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Flli. Piotti Assisted-Opening Sidelock Over/Under
Shotgun - Serial no. 9805, 12 gauge, 29 inch solid rib bbl., blue/brushed bright/gold finish, walnut stock. Built with blued steel demiblock barrels
featuring a brass front sight bead on the hand filed concave solid rib which is marked with a gold inlaid “2” at the base, light scroll engraving at the breech and barrel wings,
Italian proof marks dated 2003 on the flats, import mark on lower tube, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the brushed bright finished
assisted-opening sidelock action which displays expertly cut near full coverage highly intricate floral scroll engraving all surrounding a pair of mallards taking off from a pond
on the underside which are rendered in finely detailed flush gold inlays. The engraving continues onto the toplever where it encompasses a gold bust of a mallard, the trigger
guard, and both tangs, the bottom of which has the serial number in gold. The engraving is signed on the triggerplate to the right of the trigger “A. G. Contessa” for famed Italian
Master Engraver Albino Contessa. The gun features a single trigger, right hand rolled trigger guard, gold centerlined cocking indicators on the lockplates, and a tang mounted
manual safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The gun is fitted with a stunningly figured and multi-point checkered English style forend with brushed bright and engraved
iron and a gold “2” on the underside as well as a round pistol grip stock with a gold “K” inlaid directly into the wood opposite the comb and a checkered butt. Barrel and stock
measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech proofed at 18.5 mm (.728 inches) and measured .730/.732 inches; choke constriction .012/.020 inches; minimum
wall thickness .026/.027 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 11/16 inch length of pull; slight cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, brushed bright, and gold finishes
with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically
excellent. Do not miss out on this wonderful Piotti!
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
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