Antonio Zoli Ambassador EL Threaded Choke 32 O/U Over/Under Shotgun & Negrini Case MFD 2008

SOLD FOR: $6,005
LSB#: 150418VA05
Make: Antonio Zoli
Model: Z-Ambassador EL
Serial Number: 238092
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” and 3” Shells/28 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Over/Under (O/U) with Single Selective Inertial Trigger and Selective Ejectors
Markings: The EL features a fully hand shaped frame and fences which are fully hand engraved with deep scroll and game scenes and finished in French gray. The top left side of the receiver is marked “238092”. There are at least two proofs on the water table, a Gardone Proof and a PSF nitro proof, both of which are quite faint. The underside of the trigger guard is scroll engraved and the removable trigger group has the Zoli bow and arrow trade mark. The 20 gauge barrel set is mated with its own forearm which has engraved hardware with the serial number visible on the inside behind the latch. The left sides of both barrels are marked with “15, g”, a Gardone proof and “CL MAG 20”. The left side of the upper barrel’s chamber is marked “Antonio Zoli” in gold script. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “20/76”. The underside of the lower barrel is marked “COLE HARPSWELL, ME / MADE IN ITALY”. The underside of the locking lugs is marked with the Zoli bow and arrow trade mark and the serial number, the Gardone proof, “PSF” with two circled stars and a “CC” boxed date code. The 28 gauge barrel set is mated with its own forearm which has engraved hardware and with “6510” visible on the inside behind the latch. The left sides of both barrels are marked with “13, g”, a Gardone proof and “CL 28”. The left side of the upper barrel’s chamber is marked “Antonio Zoli” in gold script. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “28/70”. The underside of the lower barrel is marked “COLE HARPSWELL, ME / MADE IN ITALY”. The underside of the locking lugs is marked with the Zoli bow and arrow trade mark and “6510”, the Gardone proof, “PSF” with one circled star and a “CC” boxed date code.
Barrel Length: Both the 20 Gauge and the 28 Gauge barrel sets are 32 “ (81cm) in length.
Choke: Both the 20 Gauge and the 28 Gauge barrel sets are threaded for screw in chokes. The 20 gauge barrel set is provided with Zoli flush mount chokes in Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Light Modified, Improved Modified and Full. Also provided are six Briley Spectrum Target extended chokes with knurling: one Improved Cylinder, three Light Modified, one Modified and one Improved Modified. Currently the 20 Gauge barrels are both mounted Light Modified chokes. The 28 Gauge barrel set is provided with Zoli flush mount chokes in Skeet, Improved Cylinder, light Modified, Improved Modified and Full. Currently the 28 Gauge barrel are mounted with Skeet in the lower barrel and Improved Cylinder above.
Sights / Optics: Both barrel sets are mounted with white Bradley bead front sights and small steel mid-rib sights. Also provided are 2” green optic light tubes with a red optic light tube in the center. The 28 Gauge is mounted with one of these and one is provided for the 20 Gauge, contained in the factory choke box. They apparently mount with double back adhesive tape.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The Turkish walnut stocks are finely hand checkered and finished in hand rubbed-oil. The stocks show some light handling and compression marks. Both the buttstock and the 20 Gauge forearm show a few flattened or damaged checkering points. The 20 Gauge forearm shows a tiny repaired chip at the rear top left edge. The 28 gauge forearm checkering is pristine, however there are two light scratches, the longest about 1”, located at the rear on left side. The LOP measures 14 ½” from the front of the trigger to the back of the checkered black rubber Zoli recoil pad. The pad is about 3/8” thick and shows some damaged rubber checkering, likely from being rested on the ground. The drop at the comb is about 1 3/8” and about 2 1/8 “ at the heel. The recoil pad is in about Very Good condition. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrels and French Gray Receiver
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright in both barrel sets. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling marks. There are some very light scratches showing on the matted top of the 20 Gauge ventilated rib. The markings are clear except as discussed. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is adjustable with an Allen wrench and could be moved forward as much as one quarter inch. We have not fired this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shot gun comes with the screw in chokes described above as well as 20 and 28 gauge Briley choke tube wrenches and a Zoli 28 gauge choke tube wrench. There are blue Zoli marked plastic boxes with hinged lids to store the factory chokes. There are four Briley marked choke storage tubes, and a small Allen wrench in a zip-lock bag. We think the wrench is to reposition the trigger. There is a Zoli owner’s manual, warranty and registration card, along with an instruction manual for the Nigrini hard case. Also provided are three dark blue fabric pouches (two of which are marked Zoli) one each for the barrel sets and the buttstock. The Zoli marked hard plastic case shows scratches, especially on the bottom, and the leatherette trim is missing a ½” piece near the handles and has blue tape covering part of it on the bottom where it may have been damaged or come loose. The case is in Very Good condition, the rest of the accessories are in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: From the http://www.zoli.it/ web site: “The AMBASSADOR EL is the flagship of our Z Series offering the ultimate in hand finishing. The EL features a fully hand shaped frame and fences joined to a stock of exhibition Turkish walnut. Fences are fully hand engraved with deep scroll and game scenes and finished in French gray. Gold inlays in the game scenes are available on request. Stocks are finely hand checkered and finished in hand rubbed-oil. The Ambassador comes with stock and barrel socks in an elegant motor case. “ This shotgun is a 20 gauge over/under which has also had a 28 Gauge set of barrels and dedicated forearm fitted to it. The Zoli factory chokes are rated for lead or steel shot from Cylinder up to and including Light Modified, so this over/under can be used for both hunting and target shooting. It is a beautiful package, understated but showing quality throughout.