I haven't visited him in at least 10 years, but there used to be a gunsmith in Rehobeth, Massachusetts, named Lou Alessandri, who built cleaning kits which were art forms unto themselves. Lou kept a photo in the shop of he and GHW Bush, reclining on the lawn at the Bush estate in Kennebunkport, ME, the day that Lou presented one of his most elaborate kits to Bush senior.
Lou built very fine double rifles as well, many in his proprietary .750 calibre. I'd like to know if he's still around as he was skilled, interesting, and very willing to take the time to share his knowledge and skills. When Lou found out that I was in the process of building a 12-bore, side by side rifle, he was so enthusiastic about the project that he GAVE me a top rib, complete with integral quarter rib and front sight ramp. His pride and joy was a Ferrari Mille Milia, and if he took a shine to you, Lou would take you out to the garage and start it up. The cams in those things were so squirrely that that car was jumping up and down at an idle, like a Lab when you take a shotgun off the wall!
Last edited by Ron Vella; 11/18/08 01:08 PM.
