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  • Auction Catalog #88
  • Lot #1517
Lot #1516
Lot #1518

Lot 1517: African Big 5 Bulino Engraved Beretta 455 EELL Double Rifle

Superb "C. Tomasoni" Signed African Big Five Game Scene Bulino Engraved Beretta 455 EELL Sidelock Double Rifle in 470 Nitro Express with Case

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 20, 2023

Lot 1517: African Big 5 Bulino Engraved Beretta 455 EELL Double Rifle

Superb "C. Tomasoni" Signed African Big Five Game Scene Bulino Engraved Beretta 455 EELL Sidelock Double Rifle in 470 Nitro Express with Case

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 20, 2023

Estimated Price: $50,000 - $80,000
Price Realized:
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Superb "C. Tomasoni" Signed African Big Five Game Scene Bulino Engraved Beretta 455 EELL Sidelock Double Rifle in 470 Nitro Express with Case

Manufacturer: Beretta Pietro
Model: 455-Rifle
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 470 Nitro Express
Barrel: 25 1/4 inch solid rib
Finish: blue/coin
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 2906
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 430
Class: Modern Long Gun
Description:

Massive blued Bohler Antinit Steel chopperlump barrels with a ramped brass beaded blade front sight, two position (one standing, one folding) rear sight with gold inlaid center lines on the matted rear quarter rib, 1996 dated Italian proofs, light engraving at either breech, and chambers with selective ejectors. The coin finished bolstered hand detachable pinless sidelock action displays three exceptional game scenes depicting five of Africa's famous Big Five. The left lockplate shows a rhinoceros standing firm in a savanna scene, the right lockplate has a cape buffalo standing on alert looking over the high grass, the underside of the action shows a massive bull elephant ready to charge, the toplever has a bust of a majestic lion, and the trigger guard shows a leopard preparing to strike under a set of three letter initials. All three scenes have been carried out in highly detailed bulino style engraving with the balance of the surface covered by broad leafy scroll over a matted background. The triggerplate is signed "C. Tomasoni", for Italian Master Engraver Claudio Tomasoni. The rifle features double triggers (front is articulated), bushed firing pins, a right hand rolled trigger guard, and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Beautiful highly figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with coin finished engraved fittings and rotary lever release. The pistol grip stock is of the same exceptional quality with coin finished and engraved trapdoor grip cap, raised cheek piece, coin finished and engraved cartridge trap, and Pachmayr Old English rubber recoil pad. Includes a factory Beretta takedown case. Length of pull 14 3/4 inches. Weight 11 lbs. 13 oz.

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence, and some scattered minor discoloration on the action. There is a crack at the toe, otherwise the wood is very fine with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is excellent. Do not miss the chance to own this outstanding piece of firearms art!



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