Weatherby Fausti Athena D’Italia 12 GA 28” SXS Side by Side Shotgun, 2006
SOLD FOR: $1,825.00
LSB#: LSB260429JR042
Make: Weatherby, made by Fausti in Italy
Model: Athena d’Italia
Serial Number: FS1749
Year of Manufacture: 2006 (CA date code) / Modern
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 3” Shells
Action Type: Boxlock Side-by-Side Shotgun with Single Mechanical Trigger and Individual Ejectors
Markings: The left barrel in front of the chamber is marked “12 GA 3” / MADE IN ITALY” and the bottom-left at the chamber is marked “12/76”. The right barrel in front of the chamber is marked “Weatherby ATHENA D’ITALIA / ATASCADERO, CA”. The bottom of the barrels are both marked, “18.4” with a proof. The barrel flats are marked with several Italian proofs and, “FS1749”. The forend iron is marked, “FS1749”. The wood is matched to the forend iron. The water table of the receiver is marked with several proofs and the serial number, “FS1749”. The receiver and side plates are engraved with floral patterns. The underside of the receiver is marked, “WEATHERBY / Designed by C. Giovanelli”
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Threaded for Invector pattern choke tubes.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the front of the solid, finely checkered rib.
Weight: 6 lbs 15 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece Scottish skip-line checkered walnut set with a push button beaver tail forend, Prince of Wales semi-pistol grip, straight fluted comb, and hard rubber buttpad. There are minimal handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. There are some light rub marks on the buttpad. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the rubber butt pad. Drop at comb is approximately 1 5/8”, drop at heel 2 3/8”. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Coin Receiver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates a 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are minimal handling marks throughout. The action has faint wear. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, thorough and consistent cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes in a combination lock black hard-sided Weatherby marked Negrini case, paperwork, trigger lock, and IC/Mod/Full choke tube set w/ wrench.
Our Assessment: The Weatherby Athena d’Italia is an elegant Italian-made side-by-side shotgun produced for Weatherby by Fausti, blending classic European shotgun styling with Weatherby’s upscale sporting presentation. Chambered for 12 gauge 3-inch shells and fitted with 28-inch barrels, a single mechanical trigger, individual ejectors, and Invector-pattern choke tubes, this shotgun is well suited for upland hunting, sporting clays, and refined field use. The coin-finished receiver, floral engraving, Scottish skip-line checkered walnut, and Weatherby-marked Negrini case give this Athena d’Italia strong visual appeal and collector interest. This example remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original finish with only minimal handling marks and faint operational wear. The bores are bright with no visible erosion and rate 9.75/10. The two-piece walnut stock set remains in Excellent condition with sharp checkering, minimal handling wear, no chips or cracks, and only light rub marks on the buttpad. The barrels, forend iron, receiver, and wood all show matching serial-numbered components, and the Italian proofs, Weatherby markings, and C. Giovanelli design marking remain clear.
For the shooter or collector seeking a refined modern side-by-side, this Weatherby Athena d’Italia offers a very attractive combination of handling, presentation, and completeness. Its 6 lb. 15 oz. weight, neutral cast, 14 1/4-inch length of pull, and interchangeable choke system make it a practical field gun, while the engraved coin receiver and high-condition walnut give it the polish expected of an upscale Italian double. Complete with its Weatherby-marked Negrini case, paperwork, trigger lock, IC, Modified, and Full choke tubes, and wrench, this shotgun is an excellent candidate for the field, clays course, or fine shotgun collection. -R.E.