Page 290 - 4096-FLIPBOOK3

288
LOT 3481
Factory Engraved Beretta SSO Express Over/Under Rifle in
.458 Win Magnum with Extra Rifle and Shotgun Barrels, Zeiss
Scope, and Case - Serial no. C10557B, 458 Win Mag cal., 24 7/16
inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Built with
blued steel barrels featuring a ramped beaded blade front sight and
a two leaf (one standing, one folding) rear sight on the flat solid rib which
is marked with a gold “1” at the base, light engraving at the breech, 1986 dated Italian proof marks, front sling eye on underside of the barrel,
and chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened sidelock action which features double crossbolts, bolsters,
double triggers (front articulated), double rolled trigger guard, and a tang mounted manual safety. The action displays light scroll engraving
around the borders, “P. Beretta” signatures on either lockplate, and “P. Beretta/GARDONE V.T.” and “EXPRESS” on the underside. The rifle is fitted
with a highly attractive well-figured and multi-point checkered forend with casehardened iron and a gold “1” on the release as well as a pistol
grip stock with casehardened grip cap, border engraved casehardened cartridge trap, rear sling stud, “HNS” in a gold inscription oval near the heel,
and a Pachmayr Old English recoil pad. This fine rifle belonged to the legendary General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, who served two tours in Vietnam and
led the United States Military through the Gulf War earning three Bronze Stars, three Silver Stars, Legion of Merit, Presidential Medal of Freedom, two Purple Hearts, and numerous
other honors. Included are an extra 24 1/2 inch .375 H&H Magnum barrel set and a 28 inch 12 gauge barrel set, both with their own forends and gold “2”s and “3”s respectively. Also
includes a Zeiss Diatal 4-32 mm T* scope for the .375 H&H barrel set, a factory takedown case that houses the entire set , and a letter signed by Cynthia Schwarzkopf, on Schwarzkopf
Family letterhead, certifying this firearm by serial number as being the former property of her father, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. Barrel measurements for the 12 gauge set (U/O):
bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured 18.4 mm (.724 inches); choke constriction .012/.016 inches; minimum wall thickness .038/.038 inches.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 98% original blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence, slight edge wear, a few light scratches on the stock, and sharp
checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The extra barrel sets are excellent. The scope optics are sharp.
Provenance: The Collection of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf (Ret.).
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000