V. Bernardelli Boxlock Hammerless 20 Ga 27.5″ Side By Side Shotgun, C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,525.00

LSB#: LSB260508CM010

Make: Vincenzo Bernardelli

Model: Side by Side

Serial Number: 57821

Year of Manufacture: 1960 (XVI Italian Proof-Date Code)  / C&R

Gauge: 20 Gauge 2 3/4″

Action Type:  Hammerless Boxlock Side-by-Side Break-Action Shotgun with Extractors and Double Triggers. 

Barrel Length: 27.5”

Choke: Fixed, Left: Improved Modified, Right: Improved Cylinder.  

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead set on top of the serrated rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: This shotgun has a two piece checkered walnut stock set with a button release splinter forend, semi pistol grip, straight comb, and a vented rubber buttpad. There are light scratches and compression marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.25″ and 13.25″ from the front triggers to the rear of the buttpad. The stock has light cast-off for a right-handed shooter. The comb has a drop of 1 ?” at the front and a drop at heel 2 ½”. Overall the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:  Both bores are mirror bright. There is no erosion. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate at a 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. There is dried grease throughout the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good 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. The action locks up smoothly and tight.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:  None. 

Our Assessment: Vincenzo Bernardelli was a longstanding Gardone Val Trompia gunmaker whose independent sporting-arms business dates to 1865 and became closely associated with Italian hunting shotguns. The company produced both boxlock and sidelock side-by-sides, making correct identification of this shotgun’s action important to its collector classification. This 1960 20-gauge example is configured with 27.5″ barrels, fixed Improved Modified and Improved Cylinder chokes, extractors, double triggers, a splinter forend, and traditional right-handed field-gun stock dimensions.

This shotgun is in about Very Good condition overall and retains about 98% of its original blued and case-colored finish, with scratches, thinning, and dried grease present around the receiver. The two-piece checkered walnut stocks rate in about Fine condition, showing light scratches and compression marks without chips or cracks. Both bores are mirror-bright with no visible erosion; fouling was not described, and in this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 9 out of 10. The action functions correctly and locks up smoothly and tightly. No box, paperwork, or accessories are included. This V. Bernardelli should appeal to collectors of Italian sporting arms, traditional side-by-side shotguns, and lightweight 20-gauge field doubles looking for a high-condition example with attractive stock dimensions. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P