Founded in 1957 by Daniele Perazzi, the truly formative years of Armi Perazzi began in 1960 with a partnership between Daniele Perazzi and Ivo Fabbri. Perazzi and Fabbri envisioned creating some of the finest shotguns of the best quality and workmanship, traits exemplified in this early production DHO model. Unfortunately, their partnership was short lived, and Fabbri departed to start his own firm, Fabbri Arms, resulting in a real scarcity of these early guns and making them highly desirable to discerning collectors and sportsman. This gun, serial number "5086", falls directly in the known range of Perazzi/Fabbri produced guns. The DHO model was Perazzi's top of the line sidelock model and was handmade to each customer's exacting specifications. The gun was built with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single steel bead sight on the hand matted concave solid rib, "ARMI PERAZZI" and "BRESCIA" on the right and left barrels respectively, 3 inch chambers with automatic ejectors, and chokes marked improved cylinder/improved modified. The barrels are fitted to the coin finished action which features Holland & Holland style sidelocks with the early style "D. PERAZZI - BRESCIA" marking on the left side of the frame and "ARMI DI LUSSO" on the right. The receiver and lockplates feature full coverage fine relief cut floral and vine engraving on a lightly textured background which continues onto the triggerguard, toplever, safety, and both tangs. The gun features a single non-selective trigger and tang mounted manual safety. The gun is fitted with a high grade Circassian walnut Italian style semi-beavertail forearm with inset gold crown and banner inscribed "IMPERIALE LUSSO", an Anson button release, and engraved fittings as well as a pistol grip stock with a solid rubber recoil pad. Included with the gun is a copy of a letter from Karl Lippard, author of "Perazzi Shotguns and Fabbri Shotgun", detailing and authenticating the gun as well as stating that it is one of just 300 total guns built in this series, adding to its already immense rarity. Also included is an unmarked wood and leather trunk style case. Barrel and stock measurements are: bore diameter at nine inches from breech .731/.731 inch; choke constriction .009/.029 inches; minimum wall thickness .022/.023 inch; drop at comb 1 1/4 inches; drop at heel 1 1/2 inches; 1/8 inch toe in; 1/8 inch cast off; 6 lbs. 15 oz.

Excellent overall. 99% original blue finish remains with sharp markings, a few light handling marks, and some minor marks from the forearm. The stock and forearm are also excellent with some slight wear in the checkering, a few very small dings, and attractive dark grain and mineral lines. Mechanically excellent. This is an excellent opportunity to own one of the most sought after and rarest Perazzi shotguns made by two of the biggest names in Italian gunmaking!