serial #C17835, 12 ga., 29 1/2” barrels, both choked a light full, both with bright excellent bores, the left tube showing a very tiny ding about halfway down its length. The barrels have faded primarily to a deep gray and dark gray-blue, faded original blue patina, showing some scattered light oxidation staining here and there but it is unobtrusive, the area above the forend primarily a pewter patina. The barrels are maker marked and show light bands of engraving at the breeches and are date coded on the underside “XII” signifying production in 1956. The frame and sideplates remain a bright silvery coin finish with crisp tight scroll and rose engraving throughout, showing a bit of hardened oil from the years, but with the screws remaining registered and undamaged. The blued top lever shows a silver hawk inlaid, it having softened somewhat from the years, the bow of the guard with fading original blue. The scant pistolgrip checkered European walnut buttstock rates very good with overall minor dings and handling marks, fading finish along the toeline and in the area of the grip, with the checkering worn nearly smooth in areas and showing numerous bruises and dings, but without any mentionable cracks or chips (a very tiny crack beginning at the rear of the tang). The splinter forend is similar showing a bit more wear with a couple small chips along the sharp edges. Features ejectors, double triggers, the front articulated, non-automatic safety and maker swivels. The gun locks up tightly with dual under bites and Greener crossbolt and is tight on-face with the top lever slightly right of center. The ejectors function well but the left trips early, the hull hitting the standing breech. There are no importer markings evident anywhere on the gun, there is a Social Security number scratched on the underside of the barrels but it is not evident when the gun is assembled and is of no consequence. A rugged old Beretta, very seldom encountered these days, that would be perfect for the duck blind. (3C9100-787) {C&R} [Richard “Stretch” Kennedy Collection] (1200/1800)
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