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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,768 Likes: 757
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,768 Likes: 757 |
I am about as far on internet searches as a non-Italian speaker or reader can go with coming up with information on these guns. I don't really need to know any more on the importer of this one, Richland Arms, in Blissfield MI, but, it would be very nice to know about the company that produced the guns, in Italy. The engraving, while sparse, is top quality, as is the checkering. The gun was clearly speced to American tastes of the era, 1968, and by looking at it, you can practically see the path that would lead us to the regrettable, and, unfortunate, disco era. However, the finishing and metal work are first class and comparing it to anything else that sold for less than $200 in 1968, you got a ton for your money in these guns. This one is a 3" chamber, 20 gauge, non ejector with 28" barrels and bore dimensions to the thoughts of one Francis E. Sell. There is a copy of a review he did on this gun, the Richland model 707 in the 1968 Richland Arms catalog. Think backbored tubes, long forcing cones, long chokes and all that rot. It does throw nice patterns. There are no markings as to bore diameter, or chamber length that should have been applied at the proof house in Gardone. Suspicious, me thinks. I do throw up in my mouth a little when I look at the white line spacers. I will fix that, eventually. It also has a muddy combination stain/varnish on the wood that has to go. Save that, it is a keeper, a replacement for a 20 gauge 29" barrels Darne I sold a long time ago, and have regretted deeply ever since. It took me a long time to find a gun that would carry that water, so to speak. Does anyone know anything about the company in Italy? I don't think they are in business, anymore, and Richlands involvement with Prandelli and Gasperini seems to have ended very early, perhaps by 1970 or so, at least where SXS doubles are concerned. I haven't been able to find out much, save there is an Italian soccer coach with those two names. Thanks in advance, Best, Ted
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,274 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,274 Likes: 1 |
The early ones are very similar to Bernadelli and had side plates like the Roma series, the later ones??
I learn something every day, and a lot of times it's that what I learned the day before was wrong
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,536 Likes: 170
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,536 Likes: 170 |
PRANDELLI-GASPERINI Previous manufacturer located in Brescia, Italy. Previously imported by Richland Arms located in Blissfield, MI. Prandelli-Gasperini made both O/U and SxS shotguns in either sidelock or boxlock. Currently, values for the older boxlock models are in the $475-$725 range (assuming 80% or better original condition). Sidelock models in similar condition are usually valued in the $1,350-$2,100 range, depending on gauge, embellishments, and condition. Approx. 250 specimens of this trademark were imported during Richland Arms importation. http://bluebookofgunvalues.com/Gun_Values/Gun_Manufacturer.aspx?id=PRANDELLI_GASPERINI
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,768 Likes: 757
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,768 Likes: 757 |
Mike, Yes, I have seen that. Like most of what one will see in the Blue Book, you should take it with a small pickup truck pinch/load of salt.
Specifics are rather hard to nail down. How long were they in business? Are they still? Were they bought by another maker? Where did the 250 quantity imported come from, which, seems suspect, just by the quantity owned or seen by guys on this board, alone.
It would be really nice if someone knew of a English speaking contact in Gardone, who actully knew something about the makers of that era.
Best, Ted
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,536 Likes: 170
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,536 Likes: 170 |
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,768 Likes: 757
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,768 Likes: 757 |
Didn't see anything there, Mike.
Best, Ted
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,536 Likes: 170
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,536 Likes: 170 |
Ted You asked "Are they still?" Correct, NOTHING there, Best, Mike
Last edited by skeettx; 07/03/16 05:07 PM.
USAF RET 1971-95
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 213 Likes: 3
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 213 Likes: 3 |
Brings back some fond memories. My father, a man of limited means, bought his dream gun in the late '60's. A Richland Arms, which my memory says looked an awful lot like this gun. Dad shot a ton of pheasants, sharptails and ducks with his, mostly in SD. He favored 1 1/4 oz. 6's, bought 'em by the flat. Late in his life he gave it to me, I've already passed it on to my son.
Steve
"Every one must believe in something, I believe I'll go hunting today."
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,768 Likes: 757
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,768 Likes: 757 |
Steve, Was your Dad's gun a 20 or a 12?
They sold Spanish guns, too, not near as nicely finished, but, usable. A lot of the Spaniards had a cheekpiece, which, I would have thought was pretty baroque by 1968.
Best, Ted
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021 |
I can't find anything but my library on Italian shotguns is extremely limited almost nonexistent.
We're going to need someone from Europe or Italy to sign on and fill in the blanks about this small builder. Unfortunately, members on this board from Italy are also nonexistent.
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