Offered here is a truly one-of-a-kind piece from the world's oldest firearms manufacturer. The included correspondence between the previous owner of this shotgun and Ugo Gussalli Beretta, president of Beretta Firearms states that this shotgun was shipped on December 31, 1973 to Impecco Corp. who was Beretta's U.S. importer in the period. The letter further states that at the time of manufacture the Model 451 was the side by side in production and that this shotgun was likely made for a special customer as a sample and at the time of the letter in 2008 was the only side by side shotgun Beretta had built with the name SO7. The blued Bohler-Antinit steel barrels are fitted with dual bead sights on the ventilated rib, chambers marked 3 inches with ejectors, and chokes marked "improved cylinder/modified". The right tube bears the importer mark. The coin finished sideplate action displays magnificent full coverage blackleaf engraving which masterfully and delicately intertwines with floral blossoms on a matted background with "P. BERETTA. GARDONE. V.T./MADE IN ITALY" on a ribbon on the underside. A leafy motif hugs the edges of the fences, swooping around and fanning out on the chambers. The triggerguard has a blank initial oval flanked by a trio of blossoms on either side followed by more floral scroll with the original Beretta seal bearing the then known date of founding 1680, still hanging from it. The pierced toplever is inlaid with a coronet. The work is signed on the triggerplate "Bertella". Fitted with a single checkered gold washed trigger and tang mounted automatic selective safety. Mounted in a beautifully figured and nicely contrasted multipoint checkered walnut forearm with engraved fittings and Anson button release and pistol grip buttstock with leather wrapped recoil pad. Included with this one-of-a-kind piece is a Beretta takedown case, original paperwork, and a pair of snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore nine inches form the breech .727/.730 inches; coke constriction .012/.021 inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.028 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at the comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at the heel; 15 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 4 oz.

Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original blue and coin finishes with minimal handling marks, slight chattering to the rubber pad, and crisp engraving and stock checkering. Mechanically excellent. Case is very fine. This may be your only chance to add this magnificent one-of-a-kind piece to your collection. Don't squander it!