2230

RARE & FINE 50s VINTAGE BERETTA ASE EELL 20 GAUGE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,500.00 USD
RARE & FINE 50s VINTAGE BERETTA ASE EELL 20 GAUGE

O/U GAME GUN. Cal. 20 Ga., 2 3/4". S# 23031. A while back, the general public was not aware of the existence of these fine guns, made during the 50s & 60s. They could often be found at local gun shows, etc., priced along w/ the more common silver & golden snipes. This has changed and these beautifully made guns are highly sought today, especially the EELL grade which is extremely rare. This example has 26" monobloc bbls. fitted w/ low matted ventilated rib. Top left bbl. marked w/ maker's name & steel type (Boehler Antinit). Left side marked w/ imported & retailer "Abercrombie & Fitch" along w/ "MADE IN ITALY". Engine turned monobloc stamped on the bottom w/ 1959 Italian nitro proofs, model, grade & S#. Coin finished low profile dbl. arch backed O/U action features automatic safety (S inlaid in gold), gas vents, & dbl. triggers. Action is very nicely filed & engraved w/ near full coverage. Lg. baroque scrolling acanthus w/ floral highlights. Bottom of action engraved "P. BERETTA BRESCIA" "ITALY" above forend iron mortice. Engraver's initials "A. C." (unknown) are on trigger plate. Blued top lever & trigger guard are engraved w/ matching scroll. S# is on trigger guard tang. Attractive newer stock of nicely fiddle figured American walnut measures 14 1/4" over "No Shoc" pad. Squarish point pattern checkering is at grip. Matching 1 piece slim forend is original to the gun w/ closely spaced checkering & Deeley type release. MEASUREMENTS: bbls.: bore diameter: top: .621", bottom: .621". Restriction: top: .018" (MOD), bottom: .007" (IC). Minimum Wall Thickness: top: .036", bottom: .038". STOCK: 14 1/4". DAH: 2 1/4". DAC: 1 7/16". LOP: 14 1/4". CAST: 0. WEIGHT: 5 lbs. 6 oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: gun accompanied by brown vinyl case lined in blue velvety cloth, embroidered w/ Beretta logo & name in lid. CONDITION: fine except for replaced stock. Bbl. retaining approx. 90% original blue. Action w/ bright coin finish w/ little evidence of previous staining. Newer buttstock retains nearly all of its original oil finish. Forend has some marks & scratches in its original finish. Bores are smooth & shiny w/ little evidence of any repairs. Action is tight. Ejectors are out of time. Case is very fine. These lovely little guns are so svelte that this consultant can touch his thumb to his middle finger around the action. (21-3991/MGM). CURIO. $5,000-8,500.