Montrose will offer up a ‘taste of Italy’ in their August 31st Sporting, Classic & Collectible Firearms Auction

MONTROSE, Ga. – Those who would rather be in the great outdoors at the first signs of crisp fall weather might want to start planning for their field excursions later this month when Montrose Auction presents a selection of fine sporting, classic and collectible firearms built by the world’s finest gunmakers. The August 31 auction lineup boasts high quality and excellent condition in each of its 545 lots, which comprise premium-level vintage firearms for collection and display, as well as precision-made hunting guns for practical use. The live gallery event can be easily accessed via three major interstates, but to accommodate those who cannot attend in person, all forms of remote bidding will also be available, including absentee, by phone, or live online through Montrose Live or two other trusted bidding platforms.

The auction’s centerpiece is a fantastic pair of Beretta (Gardone Val Trompia, Italy) Model SO-2 12-bore sidelock over/under sporting shotguns with 28-inch barrels. Hand-built in 1987, these premium-quality guns are hand-engraved with a rose-and-scroll motif and display a silver-inlaid pigeon on the top lever. With bright bores and highly-figured, select walnut stocks, the Berettas have a double-bite Boss-pattern action built for strength and durability. Montrose’s firearms specialist Tony Wilcox describes the Model SO-2 as “one of the finest guns offered by Beretta.”

The plentiful array of over/under shotguns continues with a Caesar Guerini (Brescia, Italy) Summit 12-gauge with a 10mm vent rib, and factory Maxis Choke system. It has a single selective adjustable trigger with ejector and an engraved coin-finished receiver that is signed Bottega Giovanelli. Mechanically and aesthetically excellent, it has varnished, highly-figured, checkered walnut stocks. This auction entry, made by one of Europe’s most respected gunmakers, will convey in its correct factory luggage case with eight extended chokes and a trigger wrench.

A second Guerini Summit 12-gauge over/under shotgun differs in that it has a 30-inch vent rib barrel, but like the previously mentioned Summit, it has a single selective adjustable trigger with ejectors and a factory interchangeable Maxis Choke system (8 chokes total). It has a coin-finished receiver with scroll engraving signed Botegga Giovanelli and additional features to include a 10mm-wide sporting vent rib with dual sight beads. Mechanically excellent and in extremely fine condition with brilliant bores, it comes in its correct factory luggage case, with chokes. 

Making it a Caesar Guerini trifecta, Montrose offers a Tempio 20-gauge over/under shotgun with a 30-inch barrel, single selective trigger, choked improved cylinder and improved cylinder, with a 10mm vent rib, 3-inch chamber and ejectors. A beautiful presentation, it is decorated with a gold-inlaid game scene and has an engraved, coin-finished receiver signed Bottega Giovanelli. Graded “extremely fine” and retaining 99% of its finish, the gun is mechanically “fine” with bright bores. It is housed in a factory luggage case.

Another coveted brand featured in the auction’s top 10 is Blaser Jagdwaffen GbH of Allgau, Germany. A Blaser F16 12-gauge over/under shotgun with vent rib barrel and single selective adjustable trigger with ejectors comes with a factory choke tube system (5 included, with wrench). Finished in an attractive matte black finish, it has Grade 4 highly figured and varnished walnut stocks, with a factory pad. An example of one of the best modern over/unders ever produced, it shows little to no prior use and is housed in its factory luggage case together with all relevant paperwork and accessories. 

Also by Blaser, an F3 12-gauge over/under shotgun has a satin nickel-finished receiver, single selective trigger and ejectors, plus interchangeable choke tubes. Displaying highly-figured, very fine checkered walnut stocks, it retains 99% of its blue finish and has excellent bores. This mechanically-excellent gun comes with three additional chokes and a wrench.

Benelli Armi S.p.A. of Urbino, Italy, is especially well known for its shotguns, which are popular with civilians, law enforcement and the military. The company uses computerized measuring machines and proprietary “action” designs in creating their precise and highly regarded firearms. Montrose’s August 31 auction includes a Benelli U828U Field Black 12-gauge over/under shotgun with 30-inch barrels, a 3-inch chamber, carbon fiber rib, and interchangeable choke tubes. Its single selective triggers with ejectors operate property. The gun has bright bores, is in excellent condition overall, and comes with the bonus of stock-adjustment shims. It is housed in its factory case, with additional tubes, tools and parts.

Italy is the source of even more auction highlights from its world-renowned gunmakers. Perazzi (Botticino, Lombardy) shotguns are custom-made-to order, and the process can take up to six months, but the result is always worth the wait. The auction features a Perazzi MX3C 12-gauge over/under shotgun with an 11mm vent rib with bead sight and interchangeable chokes (5 included). It has a 2¾-inch chamber, 27½-inch barrel, and single selective trigger with ejectors. In very fine condition with more than 98% finish remaining, it is mechanically fine with bright bores and very fine stocks. It comes with its correct factory luggage case, chokes and a take-down tool. 

Rizzini, based in Italy’s heavily-wooded Val Trompia region, produced a premier 12-gauge over/under shotgun in 2016 that has adjustable chokes, improved cylinder/modified installed, and 3-inch chambers. It is mechanically excellent and comes in a factory box with a nice complement of chokes, tools, cleaning supplies and literature pertaining to the firearm. Overall, it is in near-excellent condition.

The revered Browning name will make its mark in the sale, as well. An example of the company’s B125 Grade B 12-gauge over/under shotgun, manufactured in 1986, has a 30-inch vent rib barrel, invector choke system (modified & improved, cylinder installed), and single selective adjustable trigger with ejectors. Its coin-finished receiver is engraved with appealing vignettes of waterfowl, quail, and hunting dogs. Its stocks have a half-inch extension and factory Browning butt plate. Mechanically excellent and in VG condition overall, the gun’s barrel retains more than 95% of its blue finish and has bright bores. 

A Fabrique Nationale (Herstal) Trombone Pump .22-caliber long rifle is blue-finished with a tube magazine with grooved receiver. Its walnut stocks are varnished, with a smooth factory butt plate. This is a mechanically-excellent gun.

Montrose Auction’s Aug. 31, 2024 Fine Firearms Auction will start at 10am ET, following an in-person preview from 8-10am. The auction gallery is conveniently located at 1702 2nd St., Montrose, GA 31065, just off Interstate I-16 between exits 32 and 39. It is a comfortable drive from anywhere in Georgia. Live online bidding will be available through Montrose Live, LiveAuctioneers and Proxibid. To leave an absentee bid, book a phone line for auction day, or obtain additional information about any auction item, please call 478-376-4559 or email staff@montroseauction.com. Online: https://www.montroseauction.com 

About Montrose Auction: Montrose Auction was founded in 1977. Since 1992, it has been owned and operated by company president Trey Cottle. Conducting up to 16 auctions per year, Montrose has positioned itself as Georgia’s leading auction house for the most-desired antique, vintage and modern firearms, edged weapons and sporting-related items. In addition of its popular gallery and online sales, Montrose Auction works closely with estate executors to evaluate items and prepare them for auction, confidentially and professionally.