Bertuzzi Chuck Yeager Commemorative Over/Under 12 Gauge, USHS Limited Edition No. 35 of 100, 28 in. Barrels, 2-3/4 in. Chambers, Giovanelli Steduto Engraved
This United States Historical Society Chuck Yeager Commemorative over/under by Bertuzzi is number 35 of just 100 made in 1989. It features full-coverage fine scroll and bulino engraving with 24k gold inlays by Giovanelli Steduto, a coin-finish side-plated action, and exhibition-grade European walnut. It comes with the USHS red-velvet-lined leather trunk case. With Bertuzzi no longer in operation, this limited-edition piece is notably scarce and well-documented.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: There is mild tarnish and a few scratches on the barrels and stock. The original case shows wear.
What’s Included
- Brown leather trunk case, red velvet-lined, with interior "Chuck Yeager Shotgun" plaque (USHS/Bertuzzi Brothers)
- Screw-in choke tube wrench
- Interchangeable screw-in choke tubes (set): F, IM, M, IC, C
Commissioned by the United States Historical Society and built in 1989, this over/under is marked 35/100 on the trigger guard and bears Italian Gardone proofhouse markings with PSF definitive proof and date code "AU". Matching "035" markings appear on the barrels, forend iron, and water table, aligning the gun with its edition number.
The engraving is by Giovanelli Steduto and includes full-coverage fine scroll and bulino scenes with 24k gold inlays. Notable motifs are the gold-inlaid bust of Chuck Yeager, a P-51 Mustang, the Bell X-1 "Glamorous Glennis", the U.S. Air Force shield encircled by 13 stars, the double-eagle USHS crest, the inscription "14 OCT 1947", and the engraver signature "G. Steduto".
Its 28 in. blued barrels feature a ventilated rib, a brass front bead, and screw-in choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C). The break-action, side-plated receiver has a coin finish, automatic ejectors. Controls include double triggers and a manual tang safety.
The stock set is exhibition-grade European walnut with an oil finish, wrap-around checkering, and a pistol grip. It has a neutral grip with right-hand cast-off and a checkered wood buttplate. Length of pull is 14.5 in. The gun is chambered for 2-3/4 in. 12-gauge shells.
The presentation is completed by a brown leather, red-velvet-lined trunk case with a USHS plaque, tying the firearm to its commemorative series. The Bertuzzi name and the discontinued status of the company further underscore the rarity and desirability of this limited edition.