This beautiful true pair of Fabio Zanotti shotguns dates to 1963 and was owned by Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. (1914-1988), son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) and First Lady Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962). F.D.R. Jr. was a graduate of the Groton School, Harvard University, and the University of Virginia Law School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and received several awards, including the Silver Star for his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity of action while serving on board the U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402), during an enemy air raid on the harbor of Palermo, Sicily, on 1 August 1943, During a heavy enemy night air attack on shipping in the harbor, several bombs were dropped close to the U.S.S. Mayrant moored alongside a dock. The bombs struck a train load of ammunition and other nearby storages of gasoline and explosives. When bomb fragments and flying shrapnel from exploding ammunition wounded two men, Lieutenant Roosevelt effectively and with complete disregard for his own safety administered first aid and then, during the heaviest part of the attack, carried the more critically injured man down the ladders from the bridge to the nearest battle dressing station. This prompt and courageous actions in the face of great danger to himself in all probability saved the life of the wounded man. The exceptional courage, initiative, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Roosevelt were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." He attended the Argentina summit and Casablanca Conference with his father and also accompanied Prime Minister Winston Churchill to Iceland during the war and commanded the destroyer escort U.S.S. Ulvert M. Moore (DE-442) which shot down Japanese aircraft and also sunk a Japanese submarine and was stationed in Tokyo Bay during the formal surrender of the Japanese. After his father's death and the end of the war, he returned to his law career and also entered politics, including serving three terms in Congress as the representative for the 20th District of New York in 1949-1955, initially as a member of the Liberal Party and later as a Democrat. He also made multiple unsuccessful runs for additional offices and was a supporter of John F. Kennedy in 1960. During the Kennedy administration, he was Under-Secretary of Commerce after being denied the position of Secretary of the Navy. He would have been the Under-Secretary of Commerce at the time these fantastic shotguns were made. During the Johnson administration, F.D.R. Jr. led the new Equal Opportunity Commission in 1965-1966. He was also connected to various business ventures, including as an importer of European cars through his business, Roosevelt Automobile Company, Inc., which was founded in 1957 and imported both Italian Fiats and English Jaguars. He sold the business in 1970, but he remained a consultant for Fiat Distributors U.S.A. until 1983 when Fiat discontinued operations in the U.S. His connections to Italy, including a noted friendship with Gianni Agnelli of Fiat, are likely related to his acquisition of the pair, potentially as a gift from his wealthy Italian friend. Each gun was built with blued Whitworth steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single bead sight and a gold "1" or "2" at the base. The barrels are marked "E.SC. WHITWORTH & CO. L.T.D. H.C.R.S. STEEL" and "FABIO ZANOTTI DA BOLOGNA" on the top of the right and left tube respectively, "MODELLO-EXTRA PER L'ARMERIA S.C.R.M. MILANO" retailer marking on the side of the left tube, and 1963 dated Italian proofs on the flats. The barrels of each gun are mated to a beautifully casehardened Holland & Holland pattern sidelock action which displays extensive near full coverage scroll engraving over a nicely matted background surrounding "FABIO ZANOTTI" banners on either lockplate and "FABIO ZANOTTI/DA BOLOGNA" on the underside before continuing onto the triggerguard, both tangs, and a pierced toplever which is also marked with a gold "1" or "2". Both guns feature gold plated cocking arms, bright lock pins, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety with a gold inlaid "S" indicator. The guns are both fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved shoe and Anson button release as well as a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, a gold inscription oval marked "F.D.R/Jr.", and a checkered bare butt. Included with the guns is the factory oak and leather trunk style takedown case that houses both guns with "F.D.R. Jr." marked on the exterior lid and a hang tag marked "FROM Lovat Estates, Estate Office, Beauly" and "Mr. Franklin D Roosevelt" along with a second small tag marked MR. & MRS/ROSSEVELT". Lovat Estates has been the manager of the Fraser Clan Chiefs' estate which dates back some 700 years, their connection to Mr. Roosevelt is unknown, though it is likely the guns were used to hunt with him in the Scottish Highlands, the ancestral home of Clan Fraser. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .732/.733 inches; chambers measure 3 inches with automatic ejectors; choke constriction .017/.032 inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.023 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 13/16 inch drop at heel; 15 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 10 oz.

Excellent, retaining 98% original blue finish, 70% original case colors with the balance a fine silver, crisp engraving, and a few minor handling marks. The wood is also excellent with a few minor dings and scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is fair with some separating and detached handle.

As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .732/.730 inches; chambers measure 3 inches with automatic ejectors; choke constriction .016/.032 inches; minimum wall thickness .022/.025 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 13/16 inch drop at heel; 15 1/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 11 oz. Provenance: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr; Private Collection

Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue with some loss on the lower tang, 70% original case colors with the balance a fine silver, minor handling evidence, and crisp engraving. The wood is very fine with a fews scratches, a small repaired chip at the toe, and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is a great opportunity to own an outstanding pair with an equally outstanding pedigree!