Need help identifying an old hammer shotgun.

The barrel is marked Bohler Stahl F.A. Gardonese Made in Italy. There is no makers name.

















Rgds.

Made in 1958, per the proofmarks. The "Fr." is likely Fratelli, which means brothers. Gardonese might be the name, or just indicating that the gun is from Gardone, the Italian gun-making region.

It was made by FABBRICA ARMI GARDONESE. That is why the maker's mark is F.A.G. They were registered with the proof house, but that is all I have. Bohler steel is considered very good. In Italy this gun would sell today for $200 to $300. From the sling swivels it does not appear to made for the American market. We had a strong military presence when this gun was proofed. Possibly brought back by a GI.

Pete

Eyes going bad, Pete. That is "FA" rather than "FR".

Maker was surely Emanuele Novali - Fabbrica Armi Gardonese/FAG.

Have not been able to find anything else on the maker.

JC

it would sell here for around a grand.

I lucked out. Most days mine are in the same shape. That is why all my rifles wear scopes these days

Pete

oberndorf,

Just so you will understand how to date Italian doubles, there is a roman numeral on the water table, XIV (14). You add that number to the year 1944, which was the year that Italy was liberated, and you get 1958, the year of manufacture.

I just learned this myself when I bought a very similar hammer gun from a fellow board member here. Mine is a San Georgio, made in 1971.

All my best, Stan

Pete

Thanks everyone for all the information.

The bores are in excellent condition and I am assuming that it is safe to shoot modern ammo (lead).

Need some help with chokes.

Left barrel markings (underside) - Kg 1,370 18,3 17,3
Right barrel markings - 20,3 70 18,3 17,4 E. Novoli

Rgds!