HIlton Estate Bernardelli Orione E 12 Ga. Engraved Over/Under Shotgun, 1971

SOLD FOR: $4227

LSB#: 210226PM01

Make: Vincenzo Bernardelli

Model: Orione E

Serial Number: 15001

Year of Manufacture: 1971, XX7 Date Code

Caliber: 12 Ga.

Action Type: Over Under Shotgun with Selective Trigger and Ejectors

Markings: Throughout the receiver is deep relief scroll engraving. The bottom of the receiver is marked “ORIONE E”. The right side of the receiver is marked “GORDONE. V.T. ITALIA”. The left side of the receiver is marked “V. BERNARDELLI. S.P.A.”. The upper tang above the selector is marked “SIGURA”. The top of the lever is marked “II”. The left flat of the receiver is marked “15001”. The right flat of the receiver is marked “E” and “12”. The water table is marked with three proof marks and the swan over “VBG” in a triangle company logo. The base of the rib is marked “II” within a circle. The right shoulder of the top barrel is marked “ACCIAIO – SPECIALE = EXTRA — CANNE CROMATE”. The left shoulder of the top barrel is marked “V. BERNARDELLI – GARDONE V.T. — MADE IN ITALY”. The left lower shoulder of the barrel is marked “+++” and “18.3”. The left side of the lower barrel is marked “++++”, “KG1430”, “18.3”, “KMO”, “E”, and “5”. The forearm lug is marked “K”. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “VB” underlined and “15001”. The bottom of the barrel lug is marked with three proof marks, “XX7” date code, “CAM. 70”, “31”, and “E” twice. The right side of the barrel lug is marked “12”. The brass inlay in the belly of the buttstock is marked “PH”. The forearm metal is marked “II” in a circle and has the same scroll engraving. The bottom protected portion of the forearm metal is marked “15001”. The protected portion of the forearm is marked “1”, “P”, “B”, “3”, “1”. The face of the buttplate is marked with the Bernardelli logo.

Barrel Length: 28” Vent Rib

Chokes: Our gauge reads Modified for both. Both are fixed.

Weight: 7 lbs., 1.1 oz.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white bead fixed to the top of the rib. The top of the rib is textured to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece checkered wood stocks sport a semi-pistol grip, a straight comb, and a serrated hard rubber buttplate. The wood shows some infrequently dispersed little compressions, nicks, and draglines. There are no chips or cracks. The cast is neutral. The LOD at the comb is 1 1/2” and 2 1/4” at the heel. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the serrated buttplate. The plate shows scattered wear and finish loss. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Silver

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright with no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some minor light scratches on the bottom barrel and a few light nicks on the top barrel. The engraving is beautiful. There is light thinning at the muzzle. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with deep slots and the pins are clean. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock-up to the receiver with no perceptible play. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a signed letter from the Hilton trust listing this gun by serial number.

Our Assessment: This is a beautiful V. Bernardelli Orione E over/under shotgun. The engraving is very well defined. This gun was very well kept and certainly does not appear to be 50 years old. Importation on these guns was discontinued in 1989. Even better, this shotgun comes from the estate of William Barron Hilton (October 23, 1927 – September 19, 2019) who was an American businessman, philanthropist, and sportsman. The son of Conrad Hilton, Mr. Hilton was most known for his position as the chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Hilton Hotels Corporation started by his father Conrad Hilton, and for his ownership of the now Los Angeles Chargers. Don’t pass this one up!