Antonio Zoli Christopher Columbus Commemorative 20Ga O/U Shotgun #8/200
SOLD FOR: $2,226.00
LSB#: WY240721KE013
Make: Antonio Zoli / US Historical Society / Taylor’s & CO.
Model: Christopher Columbus Commemorative
Serial Number: 204714
Year of Manufacture: 1991 for the 500 year anniversary. BA date code.
Caliber: 20 Gauge 2 3/4” and 3” Shells
Action Type: Over Under Shotgun, with Single Selective Inertial Trigger & Ejectors
Markings: The upper left barrel is marked “ANTONIO ZOLI”. The left side of the barrel set below the wood line is marked “CAM 76 15.8 20 CL MAG / KGI 410 15.8”. The bottom of the barrel set is marked “U.S. HISTORICAL SOCIETY RICHMOND, V.A. GA. 20 / TAYLOR’S & CO. WINCHESTER, VA” and “MADE IN ITALY 204714 BA”. The upper left barrel is marked “U.S. HISTORICAL SOCIETY”. The forend iron is marked “204717”. The top of the tang is marked “204714”. The left side of the receiver is marked “COLUMBUS”, the right side “1492-1992”, the trigger guard is marked
08/200”.
Barrel Length: 26.5” Vent-Rib
Choke: This shotgun is threaded for chokes currently installed with Improved Modified over Improved Cylinder. Also includes Full, modified, and Skeet. Five Chokes total.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is finely checkered for the purpose of reducing glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set on the shotgun is a two piece finely checkered Walnut furniture set. The forend is a thin profile Schnabel forend with engraved iron. The forend shows only a very very small chip in the right side of the nose. The stock is a straight hand, thin wrist stock with a fluted straight comb, long lower tang, and checkered wood buttplate. The LOP is 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock has three notable marks the first is a small nick about midway on the left side of the upper tang. The second is a dent in the rear of the comb where it meets the butt of the stock. The third is a small drag mark in the left hand flank. There are no cracks. Overall the wood on this shotgun is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued barrels, Coin receiver with Gold Inlays.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion and no lines from use. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrel set has some scattered handling wear with an extremely small mark in the finish of the upper barrel’s right hand side. The receiver shows minor rub wear on the upper tang where the lever rubs and some wear on the inside of the receiver from assembly and disassembly that is concealed when assembled. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and the pins are clean. Overall, this gun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective trigger and ejectors. The barrels lock up solidly. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened but does function properly when engaged manually. 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: This shotgun includes the chokes as mentioned above, two gun socks for storage, choke wrench, and leather Columbus marked luggage case with keys
Our Assessment: In 1492 Columbus sailed the…Just Kidding. This Antonio Zoli Christopher Columbus 1992 Commemorative 20-gauge over/under shotgun is number 8 of the 200 limited edition firearms crafted to honor the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the Americas. Made by the renowned Italian gunmaker Antonio Zoli and commissioned by the U.S. Historical Society and the Naval Museum of Genoa, this shotgun blends fine craftsmanship with historical significance. This particular shotgun is built on the Zoli tradition of high-quality, precision-engineered firearms. The gun features a 20-gauge chambering, which is often favored by upland bird hunters for its lighter recoil and nimble handling. The over/under configuration provides versatility, allowing shooters to fire two rounds in quick succession with the top and bottom barrels. The standout feature of this commemorative model is its engraving and finish. The coin finished receiver has engravings depicting nautical charts, the Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria and of course Christopher Columbus himself. Along with beautiful scrollwork, scenes and gold inlays. The trigger guard is even inlaid with the 08/200 marking. The shotgun also includes a custom case depicting 500 the globe and a sailboat. Overall, this Antonio Zoli shotgun is a unique combination of Italian craftsmanship, historical homage, and collectible value, appealing to both gun collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Posting just in time for Columbus day to be fresh in our minds. To better understand this shotgun please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
