“My family and I are very proud to be able to present President Bush with this Beretta shotgun”, said Dott. Franco Gussalli Beretta. “Several years ago my father gave a shotgun to President Bush’s father at the Safari Club Convention--now I am honored to have the privilege to present this shotgun to the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush.”
The shotgun was made exclusively by master craftsman at the Beretta firearms factory in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy. It is inlaid with 24-carat gold and features traditional quail hunting scenes on both side plates. The top lever is adorned with the number “43” and the bottom of the receiver shows the Presidential Seal. President Bush’s initials and an image of his dog are also engraved on the gun. More than 500 hours went into the engraving of the shotgun. The stock and fore-end are carved from the finest walnut.
A custom Italian leather gun case with handmade gun accessories, as well as a Damascus steel knife with engraving and wood matching the gun, were also presented to President Bush by Mr. Peter Horn (shown left), vice president of Beretta’s U.S. retail sales corporation.
