Manufactured by Beretta specifically for the United States Historical Society as a prototype for the Chuck Yeager commemorative. Yeager is well known for his combat record as a U.S. World War II fighter ace, finishing the war with a recorded 11.5 official aerial victories including one of the first air to air victories over a jet fighter. Perhaps more important is his post-war career as a test pilot; he became the first pilot to break the sound barrier in level flight on October 14, 1947, while flying the Bell X-1 he named Glamorous Glennis in honor of his wife at a speed of Mach 1.07 at an altitude of 45,000 feet over Rogers Dry Lake in the Mojave Desert. The shotgun has a single bead sight, standard Beretta maker's marks on the barrel, 3 inch chambers with ejectors, and modified/cylinder chokes. Bright coin finished receiver and lock plates with near full coverage fine scroll engraving and scenes commemorating Yeager's career exploits with a gold inlaid P-51 Mustang on the right and the Glamorous Glennis and bust of Yeager on the left, both rendered in fine gold. The trigger plate is inscribed "Bottega C. Giovanelli". Single trigger and tang mounted safety/selector switch. Checkered forearm and buttstock with a serrated walnut buttplate. The initial oval on the buttstock is inscribed "CHUCK YEAGER PROTOTYPE". Stock measurements are: 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull. With leather bound takedown case with an interior label reading "CHUCK YEAGER/SHOTGUN" over a brass plaque inscribed "PROTOTYPE".

Near new in case with only light handling marks, and some very small dings on the buttstock. The case is very good with storage wear and scuffs on the exterior. A wonderful opportunity to own not only a prototype Beretta commemorative, but a piece celebrating one of the most iconic aviators in world history.