Need Experts To Find Infos On A Rare .410 Shotgun (acciaio Vickers - Canna Cromata)

TheZreturns

TheZreturns

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Hi All, I received as a heritage, a singleshot break-action .410 shotgun.
I've been told it's a rare Italian imported shotgun.

I would love to shot with it, but I can't find ANYWHERE on the gun, informations about which lenght of .410 ammunition, I should put in there...:confused:

All we can see on the shotgun is:
- On the top part of the bore, the number #36.
- nice metal works with drawings and all.
- On the left side, we can read:
"ACCIAIO VICKERS"

and under it, we can read:
"CANNA CROMATA"

Under that, is the serial number of the firearm..

Does ANYBODY HERE, can help me identifiy where this weapon is coming from, and what is it. :runaway:

PLUS I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHICH KIND OF .410 AMMUNITION I SHOULD PUT IN THERE... :p

Here's 2 pictures of the markings:

p1000916zl7.jpg


p1000917zz2.jpg
 
I can't help you any, but I might suggest you post a pic of teh whoel gun, alot of those imports were sold under different names and different grades, someone may have something similar.

I read something about Kassnar a while back but can't remember.

A quick googling did fin this on another forum:
"Acciaio Vickers" is Vickers Steel.
"Cannes Cromate" literally translates as chromate canes, or as we would say chromed barrels.
Vickers once was one of the greatest companies in the world. Started in 1826 as a simple foundry, they grew from casting church bells to aerospace manufacturing and everything in between. They made the first submarine for the Royal Navy, planes, trains, and automobiles, tools, arms, electronics etc. The British government started to nationalize industries in the 50's and 60's. Parts of the company were stripped off, but I think Vickers Steel hung in till the mid 80's before being absorbed into British Steel, and the only part of this once great company still using the name Vickers is a division of Eaton Hydraulics.
Click to expand...
 
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A .410 bore is referred to as a 36 gauge, in some circles.

There should be some markings on the mating surfaces of the barrel/block. That would help, too.
 
That's a Val Trompia / Brescia made gun. The proof marks say it.

Also, the forearm configuration (slot to accept trigger guard when opened), the main hinge, the octagonal breach, and finally the grooved rear sight are absolutely identical to my Pietro Beretta Model 412 single shot 20 gauge.

The only thing that is different is the action-opening mechanism - mine is alever located ahead of the trigger guard.

It may very well be Beretta made, or possibly some company in the valley bought some of Beretta's surplus and assembled what they could. You never know with the Italian makers - it's a freaking soap opera over there. Google an image of a Beretta 412 - you'll see.
 
Wow! Thanks for the info looch... It really looks like the Beretta 412!
Where do you see the proof marks that it's a Val Trompia/Brescia?

I've read on internet that Val Trompia/Brescia is a place in Italy, near Beretta factory...

And that the owner of the company who maybe did my firearm is called:
"Antonio Zoli" http://www.zoli.it/
 
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See now, I might have some answers, I had one similar, looked alot like it but it was a double, also folded in half. Made in italy and I think was imported by Ruko Canada

Actually I can't remember much about it but they are a nice light gun and the fold in half.
 
Brian - I will not pretend to be a firearms historian. I know what I know and that's not much compared to a lot of people. What I can tell you is that based on several articles and publications, Brescia is the heart of the firearms industry in Italy.

There are a large number of relatives owning/operating/working at these factories. Some like each other, others are loathed. Your Zoli reference for instance - there's Antonio, Andero, and Angelo. There's the Rizzini family - 3 (arguably 4) different makers. One of them married Stefano Fausti's daughters, who, with her 2 sisters, now run the Fausti firearm company. There's a ton of very interesting (very Italian) relationships here, and they are all in the same valley.

I have a SxS made by "Armi U. Gitti, Gardone V.T.". It is most likely an assembly of Sabatti components put together and proofed by a small shop serving the local shooting population, who most likely didn't have the means (or the interest) to buy a popular branded firearm.

I find the whole mess quite fascinating.
 
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Oh, and regarding the proof marks...

The PSF with the 2 "stars" above and the FINITO with one star is either a Brescia or Gardone proof. The one to the extreme left would seal the deal, but I can't make it out. If it looks like 2 crossed swords, it's Gardone. If looks like an animal on it's hind legs, it's Brescia. I rollled the dice on Gardone, because my 412 is Gardone-made and it looks so similar. But then, Brescia is just down the street.
 
Wow, you got great knowledge hehe ;)
Thanks for the info, i'll look at that later tonight, when i'll be back at home.

But I also think it's 2 crossed swords, meaning it's a Gardone...
 
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