Here’s an impressive double barrel shotgun from a maker I know little about. It’s a 20 gauge Zanotti and looks like it’s in nice shape. I love the color-case hardening, the engraving, and the rounded, scalloped action. It makes this SxS look 50% Italian and 50% Westley Richards.
I think Zanotti is owned by Stefano and Fabio Zanotti. According to this website, they are members of the oldest shotgun-making family in the world. The Zanottis have been making complete shotguns since 1625 – longer than Beretta – and the company has been in family hands the entire time. They’ve built guns for lots of famous clients, including an O/U for Fidel Castro and this pair of sidelock 12 gauges for FDR, JR.
ZANOTTI MODEL 625 20GA: SIDE BY SIDE DOUBLE WITH 28″ BARRELS , 3″ CHAMBERS, FINE CHECKERED WALNUT STOCK AND FOREND AND FINE ENGRAVING ON OIL CASE COLORED RECEIVER. 95% EXCELLENT FACTORY FINISH WITH ONLY SLIGHT HANDLING and LEATHER RECOIL PAD. 14 3/4″ LOP TO FRONT AND 13 3/4″ LOP TO REAR TRIGGER. BARRELS ARE MARKED “ZANOTTI GARDONE ITALY” AND “NEW ENGLAND ARMS KITTERY POINT MAINE”. Price: $3,250
