Claudio Cremini Signed and Game Scene Engraved Bertuzzi Sidelock Over/Under 12ga Two Barrel Set with Case

Description:
This is an exceptionally fine Armi F.lli Bertuzzi sidelock over/under shotgun, manufactured in 1981 and fitted with two matching-numbered barrel sets.
The primary set consists of blued steel monobloc barrels with a single bead sight on a hand-filed vent rib, marked “ARMI Flli BERTUZZI” to the left of the chambers and “Acciaio U.M.6.” to the right. Proofed in Italy in 1981 with a small “1” on the flats, it features fixed chokes, 2 3/4-inch chambers, and automatic ejectors. The second barrel set, marked “2” on the flats, measures 29 1/4 inches.
The highly refined coin-finished sidelock action displays intricate bouquet-and-scroll engraving framing the maker’s signatures (“Flli. BERTUZZI” on the left lockplate and “GARDONE V.T.” on the right) as well as three finely detailed game scenes:

• Left: a flock of ducks descending onto a pond.
• Right: four snipe in flight over a marsh.
• Underside: a spaniel retrieving a woodcock in a wooded landscape.

Engraving extends to the pierced toplever, triggerguard, tangs, and fences, with the toplever itself shaped as a mythical creature. The lower tang bears the gold-inlaid serial number, and the work is signed “Inc. C. Cremini” for master engraver Claudio Cremini.
Features include a single non-selective trigger, right-hand rolled triggerguard, and tang-mounted manual safety with gold inlaid indicator. The gun is stocked in highly figured walnut, with multi-point checkering, teardrop drop points, a gold-inlaid crest inscribed “F.P.” on the forend, and a straight-hand grip terminating in a thin red rubber recoil pad.
Accessories include a nickel oiler, a factory oak-and-leather takedown case (housing the action and one barrel set) with interior lid label.
Measurements:

• Set 1: Bore diameter 18.6mm (.732″) both barrels; choke constriction .010″/.027″; minimum wall thickness .035″/.031″; drop at comb 1 3/16″; drop at heel 2 3/16″; length of pull 14 7/16″; weight 8 lbs. 1 oz.
• Set 2: Bore diameter 18.5mm (.732″) proofed, measured .729″/.730″; choke constriction .018″/.034″; minimum wall thickness .034″/.031″.

Condition

Excellent, retaining 98% plus original blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence. The forend has two repaired chips on either side at the rear due to the overly tight forend, and two small cracks on the left side. There is a slight gap between the head of the stock and the bottom of the action and a few minor marks in the super fine checkering with a few pressure marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine and the extra barrel set is excellent. A great chance to own a beautiful piece of Italian craftsmanship!

Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: Bertuzzi
Model: O/U
Serial Number: 5275
Barrel Length: 27 3/4 inch vent rib
Condition: The bores are mostly bright with signs of use and streaking in the upper barrel.

Price: $33,299.99