2294 ATTRACTIVE HIGH QUALITY GOLD INLAID CONSTANTINE

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,000.00 USD
Estimated at 2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
MODEL O/U SHOTGUN BY PIETTA. Cal. 12 Ga. 2-3/4". S# 10818. The arms making firm of Pietta in Gussago, Italy is mostly known for its replica muzzle loaders and other mid range guns. This fine looking gun is possibly a prototype to test the market for a well appointed O/U shotgun. The 1972 proof date on 29-1/2" monobloc barrels with choke tubes is a possible indicator of this attempt as no internet reference can be found for this style gun. Barrels feature broad flat matted rib engraved "CONSTANTINE" in area milled out after finishing. Scroll engraving and some gold wire inlay is at both breech and muzzle ends. Blued, low profile O/U boxlock action with ornamental sideplates features blocked safety and single non-selective trigger. Blued action and sideplates are finely adorned with panels of hand cut deeply shaded multi size scroll with unengraved areas as counterpoint to relief gold inlaid game birds; all within gold wire inlaid borders. A trio of geese settle into a marsh on left sideplate and three mallards are also landing on right side. Bottom of action depicts a mallard taking wing. No markings are visible on exterior of action including an engraver's signature (maker's name and address are on bottom of monobloc). Capped pistol grip buttstock of very fine crotch figured American walnut measures 14" over black Decelerator pad. Checkering is very finely executed with fancy borders and has fleur-de-lis intrusions at sides and top which are flanked by carved foliage tendrils. This attractive work is mirrored on one piece full ejector forend with Deeley type release. MEASUREMENTS: DAH: 2-1/8". DAC: 1-1/2". LOP: about 1/2" off. 14". WEIGHT: 7 lb. 13 oz. CONDITION: very fine, retaining over 95% original factory finishes on wood and metal with a good scattering of handling marks most notably some scratches and marks in checkering. Bores are bright and shiny. Mechanically good. (22-5803/MGM). CURIO. $2,000-4,000.