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LOT 3487
Excellent Factory Albino Contessa
Signed and Master Engraved Flli. Piotti
20 Gauge Hand Detachable Sidelock Over/Under
Shotgun with Extra Barrel Set and Case - Serial no. 9689,
20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/brushed bright finish, walnut
stock. Piotti is among the best gunmaking firms in Italy and produces
exceptionally high quality pieces that would be at home in the finest sporting
arms collections in the world. Built with blued barrels featuring a single brass
bead sight on the hand filed flat solid rib, “Flli. PIOTI” marked on the left side
of the upper tube near the breech, attractive light engraving around the breech, Italian proof marks dated 2001 on the flat, import mark on the underside near
the forend hanger, and 3 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the brushed bright finished hand detachable sidelock action which
displays highly attractive classically styled near full coverage rose and scroll engraving surrounding “Flli. PIOTI” signatures on either lockplate along with gold
centerlined cocking indicators and bright pins. The engraving is signed “Contessa” on the triggerplate to the right of the trigger for Italian Master Engraver Albino
Contessa. The gun features a single trigger, right hand beaded trigger guard, and tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “S” indicator in the safe position.
The gun is fitted with a stunning well-figured “English” style forend with mullered bordered very fine multi-point checkering and engraved brushed bright iron and
push-button release. The semi-pistol grip stock is of the same exceptional figure with matching checkering with spear points and checkered bare butt. Included is a second
25 inch 20 gauge barrel set proofed in 2002 with matching engraving and an additional gold inlaid leaf star on the rib and 3 inch chambers and Teague chokes (improved modified/modified installed).
Also included is a maker’s leather trunk style case that houses the set, original proofing certificates, oiler, snap caps, cleaning tools, and three extra chokes (skeet, improved cylinder, and full). Barrel
measurements for the extra set (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured at 15.8 mm (.622 inches); minimum wall thickness .030/.034 inches. Barrel and stock
measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech proofed and measured at 15.8 mm (.622 inches); choke constriction .006/.022 inches; minimum wall thickness .033/.030 inches; 1 3/8
inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 7/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 5 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 97% original blue and brushed bright finishes, light handling evidence, a small slightly dark spot on the underside of the action. The wood shows some light
scratches and has sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The extra barrel set is also excellent. The case is very good with light storage/transit wear. A great chance to own a fine Italian small bore gun!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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