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LOT 361
Massive Factory Engraved Bernardelli Venus Royal Shotgun Converted to .600 Nitro Express Double Rifle by Aaron Little with Case - Serial no. 25826, .264 LBC cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. This massive double rifle was originally
manufactured in 1972 as a Bernardelli Venus Royal Magnum 10 gauge shotgun that was then converted by Aaron Little of A.M. Little Bespoke Gunmakers from Mineola, TX. Blued steel barrels with beaded blade front sight incorporating a
flip over “moon bead” and two position rear express sight on the raised sections
of smooth solid rib, automatic ejectors, and dual bands of engraving at either breech. The coin finished sidelock action
features near full coverage floral engraving, bushed firing pins, double triggers, and tang mounted automatic safety switch. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered walnut beavertail forend with engraved fittings, an Anson style release, and a pistol grip stock with brown rubber recoil pad. Included with the gun are copies of a forum thread laying out the process of the
build with photographs of the progression. Also included is a leather bound takedown case featuring Little’s trade label as well as that of Bernardelli, containing two nickel snap caps. Length of pull 14 1/4 inches. Weight 14 lbs 7 oz. CONDITION: Excellent as professionally converted by Aaron little, retaining 99% of the reapplied blue and original coin finishes with minor handling evidence. The wood is very fine with a few light dings and scratches, some slight chips in the finish and a repaired break at the rear of the forend, and crisp checkering. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Buckstix Collection.
no. A470526, 470 Nitro Express cal., 23 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue/ satin finish, walnut stock. Blued steel barrels with red fiber optic front and two position rear sights on the raised sections of the matted solid rib, standard Merkel markings, and German proofs on the flats. The satin finished boxlock action features light scroll engraving, sideclips, bushed firing pins, and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Contrasting straight grain, multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings and Deeley latch release and pistol grip stock with blued grip cap, cheekpiece, and rubber recoil pad. Includes the original factory takedown case marked “MERKEL” in white paint at one end with internal tag listing this gun as manufactured in 2005. Length of pull 14 3/8 inches. Weight 10 lbs 10 oz. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and satin finishes, limited handling evidence, and slight discoloration to areas of the action. There is a small crack at the heel of the recoil pad; otherwise, the wood is very fine with sharp checkering. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Buckstix Collection. Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
LOT 362
Excellent Cased Factory Engraved Gebruder Merkel Model 140-2 Safari Double Rifle in .470 Nitro Express - Serial
276