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LOT 1502
Outstanding Pair of Factory Engraved Fabio Zanotti Modello Extra Sidelock
Double Barrel Ejector Shotguns with Case -A) Fabio Zanotti Modello Extra
Shotgun - Serial no. 4482, 12 gauge, 27 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish,
walnut stock. Fabio Zanotti was one in a long line of the family of gunmakers. Though
he passed away in 1971 his shop was closed, but his legacy lives on through the
fantastic pieces that were built in his shop. The guns feature blued Whitworth steel
barrels each with a single brass bead sight on the hand filed concave solid rib which
is marked respectively with a gold “1” or “2” at the base, “E.S.C. WHITWORTH & Co. LTD.
H.C.R.S. STEEL” on the right, “FABIO ZANOTTI. DA BOLOGNA.” and “MODELLO-EXTRA.
FABBRICATO. PER L’ARMERIA. F. OGGERO. TORINO.” on the left, bands of engraving
at the breech, 1963 dated Italian proofs, import mark on right barrel beneath the
forend, and 3 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The coin finished Holland
& Holland type side lock bar-actions display fine full coverage H&H pattern scroll
engraving with “FABIO . ZANOTTI” signature in a banner on the left lockplate, “DA
. BOLOGNA” on the right lockplate, and “FABIO . ZANOTTI/DA . BOLOGNA” marked
on the underside. The scrollwork flows onto the trigger guards, both tangs, and the
pierced reptilian toplevers which also feature a gold inlaid “1” or “2”. The guns feature
double triggers with the front trigger articulated, gold washed lock work, and a
manual tang safety marked with a gold “S”. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered
forend with engraved fittings, gold wash on the ejector, and a gold inlaid “1” or “2”
on the Anson button release. The straight grip stocks are of the same fantastic grade
of walnut with teardrop carved drop points, filler screws on the toe lines for sling
swivel mounting, and checkered bare butts. Included is an oak and leather takedown
case that houses both guns. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter
nine inches from the breech .732/.732 inches; choke constriction .016/.028 inches; minimum wall thickness
.021/.024 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 11 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering
on the stock and forend. The case is very fine with minor wear. Mechanically excellent.
B) Fabio Zanotti Modello Extra Shotgun - Serial no. 4483, 12 gauge, 27 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”. Barrel and
stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .733/.733 inches; choke constriction .016/.028 inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.026
inches; 1 5/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 11 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence, a few minor marks in the wood, and sharp
checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. A chance to own a beautiful true pair from one of the lost greats of Italian gunmaking!
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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