Ornate Pietro Beretta Side by Side Percussion Shotgun
The shotgun is fully intact and functional. Wood is beautiful with expected minor wear but no cracks. The gun has no Serial Number and upon inspection only has the inscription PIETRO BERETTA GARDONE scrolled or stamped on barrel and under the breach. The metal on the barrel as well as the screws holding the gun together are beautifully scrolled. Research shows the gun was produced by Pietro Beretta, Father to Giuseppe Beretta, from between 1821 when percussion was introduced to firearms and 1830 when Pietro and Giuseppe began building Beretta into a completed firearm manufacture from the well established barrel manufacturer they were known for. I have been told it could be a very rare priceless piece of history since very little is known of Pietro’s works due to the loss of records but no validation or certificate of authenticity has been offered or provided. The base of the stock has a lion carved into it and what appears to be a wind opposite of the cheek rest. This is a muzzle loading shotgun and looks to be a 28 gauge caliber.
Unknown. Brought it to Beretta in Dallas Tx to their gun smith who politely asked me to close my case. He informed me that due to the potential historical value of this firearm he would not be examining the gun further. He said he has only seen one gun in this condition and it was in a private museum therefore he is not going to be held liable for damaging a possible priceless work of art. I purchased the book “The World of Beretta” by RL Wilson and it confirms there is only one example of a firearm bearing the signature of Pietro Beretta from this period and it sits in a private museum.
Other
Maybe
Dear Joshua,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. My sincere apologies for the delay with the appraisal
The presented object appears to be a Beretta side by side shotgun with unknown measurements. It has probably a 28 gauge caliber and a percussion lock system. The barrels are stamped with "Pietro Beretta" and this gun was made in the 19th century. The nutwood stock is ornated with carvings.
Comparable objects were recently offered and sold on the international auction market. (https://www.lotsearch.de/lot/rarissima-spingarda-a-spillo-di-pietro-beretta-47456769?perPage=80)
This piece is in bad to medium condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 800 to 1600 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
George
Correction to comment. My sample is Pietro Beretta Gardone.
Thank you for the appraisal however your references are incorrect as my example is stamped Pietro Veretta Gardone and these examples are stamped with the post 1850 Pietro Beretta Gardone Valle Trompia. I have already found that my example is a rare specimen since it was produced prior to Beretta becoming a fully assembled firearm company in 1850 built by Pietro Beretta born 1789. I have found your samples as comparison however I have only found one other sample that matches my signature in a private museum.