Thanks Pete:
Since I posted, I have learned a lot more.
The Pedersen Company out of New York made golf clubs, rifles and shotguns. It was bought by Mossberg in an attempt to slide into a higher end market. Seems that the first and most common product was this O/U that was built by Beretta and to be finished in the Mossberg custon shop. In house engraving as well as any other custom work could be ordered. The least expensive engraved model was priced at $975 and that was in 1973. This division of Mossberg lasted only for the two years--- Nov. 19th,1972-1975.
I had a grand chat with the Mossberg historian, Mr. Victor Harlin who was very familiar with the guns and has written the definitive tome on Mossberg. There is a small chapter on the Pedersen effort.
His opinion is that this gun was not sold by Mossberg but was most likely passed to a writer, salesman or some such and was inadvertantly let out into the field. As it appears to be pristine I feel fortunately to have acquired it and will see what I can do about having it engraved and colored as a presentation piece.
If any has experience with these guns, please share those anecdotes with us. BTW---They had SxSs in the line up as well.
Best,
John
