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*WATRIN ENGRAVED FN SPECIAL ORDER SUPERPOSED ONCE BELONGING TO KING HASSAN II OF MOROCCO.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,750.00 USD Estimated At:17,500.00 - 22,500.00 USD
*WATRIN ENGRAVED FN SPECIAL ORDER SUPERPOSED ONCE BELONGING TO KING HASSAN II OF MOROCCO.
SN 80059. Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 28" Bbls with slightly raised, ventilated rib are gold inlaid "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES de GUERRE - HERSTAL BELGIQUE" on top left, and "MADE IN BELGIUM" on right sides of top bbl. MOD/FULL choke markings are present under ejectors. Brushed coin finished O/U action is nicely sculpted. Gun is exceptionally well engraved in "Renaissance style" depicting large scroll breathing griffins on each side of action surrounded by large, open, scrolled acanthus with floral highlights. Bottom of action portrays two more griffins either side of front lump mortise, and horned, cat-faced greenman peering out of rear portion of action. This fine work extends to trigger guard, portraying another griffin, and to top lever, which has beautifully carved, scrolled acanthus return to thumbpiece. The execution of this fine relief engraving is beyond compare, with fine cut shading and details giving exceptional depth to all elements. Highly regarded FN engraver, Andre Watrin's signature is at bottom rear on both sides of action. Nicely streaked and well figured European walnut long tang, round knob buttstock has carved drop points, point pattern checkering at grip, and measures 14-3/4" over skip line checkered wood butt. A gold oval on toe line is engraved with "H" surmounted by sovereign's crown. Nicely matching three piece forend has schnabeled tip. Accompanied by a fine leather slip case with a "JFK" luggage tag from Royal Air Maroc. Bore diameter: top -.723, bottom -.722. Bore restrictions: top -.035 (Full), bottom -.017 (Mod). Wall thickness: top-.034, bottom -.030. Drop at heel: 2-3/8", drop at comb: 1-7/16". Weight: 7 lbs. 4 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". The second of the King's guns is in this auction. PROVENANCE: Information on King Hassan II and history of this gun indicating that it was made in 1961, and "These two guns were present from King Hassan of Morocco. I was a great friend of the kings and made many trips to his country as his private barber. We became very close friends and I would spend up to 10 days at a time with him in his home. The king started taking me on hunting trips and I even went on safari with him. These guns were a gift from the king to me." CONDITION: Excellent, near new, appear unfired except for proof, with only light assembly and disassembly marks as well as some light spots on bbls. Coin finish of action is toning. Stocks have only one or two minor marks. Checkering is mostly bright, just slightly darkened. Mechanically crisp. Case is fine with a few light rubs 4-49172 MGM257