Vincenzo Bernardelli Stoeger Italia 12 GA Side by Side SXS Shotgun 1966 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1900
LSB#: 220220WW040
Make: Vincenzo Bernardelli, imported by Stoeger Arms
Model: Italia
Serial Number: 61337
Year of Manufacture: 1966 (XXII date code), C&R
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side SXS, Double Exposed, Double Trigger Top Break Side Lock Shotgun with Extractors
Markings: There is rose and scroll engraving on the receiver with motif extending on to the exposed part of the forend iron, the trigger guard, the barrel lugs, the underside of the wrist, the side-lock lever and the rear of both barrels. The top of the rib just forward of the receiver is marked “ITALIA”. The top of the left barrel is marked “V. BERNARDELLI – GARDONE V.T.”. The left side of the left barrel is marked “MADE IN ITALY” and “STOEGER ARMS CORPORATION – NEW YORK – MADE IN ITALY”. The top of the right barrel is marked “CANNE CROMATE / ACCIAIO – SPECIALE – EXTRA”. The bottom of the left barrel is marked with “?” (Full choke) and “VB”. The bottom of the right barrel is marked “???” (Modified choke) and “B4 12”.[again, just be aware of those stars in the HTML when posting to GB] The top of the barrel flats is marked “VBG” in a triangle under a goose (company logo), “61337”, “12”, and date code “XXII”. The lower half of the barrel flats is marked “VINCENZO BERNARDELLI – GARDONE V.”, “12”, “Y”, “1171” and has three Italian proof marks. The flat of the forend iron is marked with the serial number “61337” and “1171”. The water table is marked with the serial number “61337”, the “VGB” in a triangle with goose logo, “S.A. VINCENZO BERNARDELLI”, “GARDONE V.T. (BRESCIA) ITALIA”, “A”, three Italian proof marks and “1171”.
Barrel Length: 29.5”
Choke: Full bore (Left barrel marked “?”), Modified (Right barrel marked “???”). Both Fixed.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a bead sight at the forend of the barrel rib above the muzzles.
Weight: 7 lbs, 13.2 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut featuring a checkered splinter forend, checkered straight wrist, straight comb and a black rubber Morgan Adjustable buttpad with a slip-on Galco leather buttpad over it. There are scattered light nicks and scratches on the forend and buttstock and a few minor compressions. There are tiny dings in the checkering in two or three spots. There is an initial plate in the belly (not marked). However, the checkering remains distinct and functional. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 7/8” and 13 3/4” from the front of the front and rear triggers respectively to the back of the buttpad. The LOP measures 13 3/4” and 12 5/8” from the front of the front and rear triggers respectively to the back of the wood. Drop at comb is 1 3/8”, drop at heel is 2”. Cast is neutral. The stocks are in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few light nicks on the barrel and light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Vincenzo Bernardelli has a brilliant coin and blued two-tone finish. From the beginning, Vincenzo took his knowledge and experience from the Franzini Arms Factory, one of the most important manufacturers at the time in Gardone Val Trompia (and that’s saying something!) and started his own factory. With the help of his four sons, they grew the company and expanded into larger manufacturing facilities and eventually getting into wartime production during both World Wars. If you have been looking for an eye-catching upland game shotgun, you definitely don’t want to let this beautifully engraved shotgun get away. Good luck in your bidding!