Rizzini Artemis Classic Field 20 GA OU Engraved Double Barrel Shotgun, 2003
SOLD FOR: $3175
LSB#: 210823PE21
Make: B. Rizzini of Italy
Model: Artemis Classic Field
Serial Number: 48908
Year of Manufacture: 2003 (“BT” Italian Date Code on Barrel Assembly)
Gauge: 20, Chambered for 3” Shells
Action Type: Over Under Double Barrel Shotgun with Single Selective Trigger and Ejectors
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel assembly is marked “RIZZINI / MADE IN ITALY”. The right shoulder of the barrel assembly is marked “20 ga. 3” Magnum”. The underside of the receiver is marked “ARTEMIS”, “Made in Italy”, and with the engraver’s house mark, “Bottega C. Giovanelli” in cursive script. The butt is marked “RIZZINI” over “BR” in cursive script. The top of barrel assembly over the receiver, the forend steel, the receiver, the sideplates, the action release, and the trigger guard all feature detailed fine engraving. Game scenes are featured throughout; duck and pheasant in gold on the side plates; golden retriever and cocker spaniel in gold on the underside of the forend; a hummingbird on the trigger guard. The left side of the barrel assembly protected by the forend is marked “CAM.76”, “15.9”, and an Italian proof over “KGI.180”, “15.9”, and an Italian proof. The right side of the barrel assembly protected by the forend is marked “WARNING: READ OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE USE”. The underside of the barrel assembly protected by the forend is marked “RIZZINI USA – West Chester – PA”. The underside of the mono-bloc is marked with “BR” in cursive script, the serial number, “57674”, and two italian proof marks. Those marks are flanked by “20/76” and an Italian “BT” date code in a box, indicating the year of manufacture as 2005. The interior forend iron is marked “48908”.
Barrel Length: 28” Chrome-Lined with Checkered Vented Barrel Rib
Weight: 6 lbs. 2.9 oz.
Choke: This shotgun utilizes screw-in chokes. These include Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full.
Sights/Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass dot bead front sight. The top of the rib is finely checkered to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with schnabel forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a serrated walnut buttplate. There are light handling marks and a few minor scuffs on the bottom of the grip and the forend nose. The drop is 1 3/8” at the comb and 2” at the heel. The cast is slightly off. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate is free of any notable wear or damage. Overall, the stock rate in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued Barrel Assembly and Case Hardened Receiver with Gold Inlay
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright and there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are minor handling marks and a bit of minor operational wear under the forend, but otherwise this shotgun is free of any additional notable wear or damage. All markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lock up is tight. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This shotgun will ship in a luggage case with combination lock, a small case containing all choke tubes, and a choke key.
Our Assessment: On offer here is a truly fine sportsman’s shotgun. Made in Italy by B. Rizzini, it is in every way a thing of beauty. It features fine engraving and accurate animal portraits and game scenes crafted by Bottega Incisioni di Cesare Giovanelli of Italy. It features various threaded chokes and a useful single-selective trigger system, making for a versatile and convenient field gun. Virtually free of wear and mechanically sound, this shotgun will serve any serious hunter well not only in the field, but on display as well. Good luck and happy bidding!