Stellar Round Bodied, Sidelock Ejector, Double Trigger Desenzani Game Gun With Intricately Detailed Western Hunting Scenes By Galeazzi With Case

Stellar Round Bodied, Sidelock Ejector, Double Trigger Desenzani Game Gun With Intricately Detailed Western Hunting Scenes By Galeazzi With Case

22-5665
Cal. 12 Ga. 2 3/4″
S# 0082

People “in the know” sit up and take notice when a gun by Enrico Desenzani is mentioned. He made approximately ten bespoke guns per year, all of the highest quality. Like Ivo Fabbri, a good portion of his production was for O/U pigeon and other target guns. His game guns are truly sublime. This wonderful light 12 bore game gun has 26 3/4″ chopper lump barrels fitted with slightly swamped game rib. “Desenzani & C. Brescia” is engraved on top of left barrel.

There are very fine gold lines at breech ends of barrels. Barrel flats are stamped with 1984 Italian nitro proofs for 2 3/4″ chambers, along with serial number, “DE” logos, and importers name and address (BSA NY Millbrook). Coin finished round bodied sidelock action features non-automatic safety (SIGURA engraved), bushed strikers, and double triggers (front articulated). Action is engraved with 70% coverage exceptionally well cut small scroll with floral highlights. Rounded lockplates are not engraved with scroll and scenes extend to the edges. Lockplates and bottom of action portray intricately detailed and wonderfully shaded Bulino 19th century western hunting scenes, after Frederic Remington. Left lock has a famous action packed scene of three mounted hunters lassoing and subduing a grizzly bear. One has roped the bear by the back leg, another has charged in and is about to encircle the bear with his lasso. Another rider in distance, hat blowing off in the wind, is turning his mount in preparation to further ensnare the beast. Two other riders, in the distance, are watching the proceedings. This action takes place in an open meadow with dramatic clouded sky in background. Right lockplate portrays triumphant mounted hunter, rifle being held high, approaching another hunter on foot, doffing his hat, with fallen elk in foreground. A string of pack horses is in the background.

This scene takes place in open western highlands with mountain peaks in background. Bottom of action is engraved with scene of mountain man on horse riding along stream bed with mesa in background. Both lockplate scenes are signed “Galeazzi” (the very highly regarded late Angelo, who specialized in fine Bulino scenes). This particular work could be considered a masterpiece. Scroll continues onto single beaded trigger guard bow and tang, which has serial number in gold. Buttstock of wonderfully marbled, somewhat burl figured flesh toned European walnut measures 14 1/8″ over fully skip line checkered wood butt. Well cut point pattern checkering is on semi-diamond hand. Matching splinter ejector forend with Anson release has gold Desenzani crest inlet on central uncheckered diamond. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .727. R .726. Restriction: L .038 (extra full). R .016 (mod). Wall thickness: L .020. R .025. STOCK: DAH: 1 15/16″. DAC: 1 1/4″ plus. CAST: about 1/4″ off. LOP: 14 1/8″. WEIGHT: 6 lb. 8 oz.

MODERN