(Place pics wherever you like..all are relevant to the whole piece)
Beretta and Ernest Hemingway represent two of the greatest talents in their respective areas of expertise the world over. One a brilliant writer, adventurer, and all-around sportsman; the other a family legacy of exquisite firearms manufacturing dating back nearly 500 years. Both exemplify mastery of craft and commitment to perfection.
Its common knowledge that Ernest Hemingway was an avid sportsman, and quite fond of wingshooting. He was known to have used various shotguns throughout his life, but one stands out as truly a bespoke piece. An invitation to a duck hunt in Italy was the impetus for Hemingway’s recognition of the void in his collection when it comes to a fine bespoke shotgun. In 1949, he secured a Beretta SO3 from a firm in Venice, which accompanied him on many wingshooting adventures. During this time the Beretta SO3 represented the very finest in hand machined, fitted and polished shotgun technology. A truly “best” gun for the most discerning of sportsmen and women.
The SO3 was not just built to be aesthetically pleasing, the design is robust and made for rigorous use. Ironically, of all the firearms Hemingway owned, none were safe queens. He utilized all of his firearms for the pursuit of game and sport. His SO3 was no different. From European duck marshes to the plains of Africa, Hemingway’s Beretta SO3 lived a life nearly as traveled and battle worn as Hemingway himself.
After Ernest Hemingway’s death, his wife consigned most of his personal firearms for sale with Abercrombie and Fitch. Although a popular figure at the time of his death, many of the firearms were sold without much publicity, and now exist in private collections without verifiable provenance. Fortunately, the Hemingway SO3 is not one of those secret gems, hidden, for all time in some unknown gun cabinet. It is now owned by Beretta Gallery and is displayed at the New York City boutique.
In 1949 the Hemingway SO3 was the very best available in its class. Sporting 27.5 inch, 12-gauge barrels, with double triggers and fitted to an English style stock, this would have been considered the most versatile configuration for a gun to be used for any, and all pursuits at that time. While times, technology and people’s desires change, the Beretta SO3 remains an exemplary specimen of fine shotgun manufacturing and sophistication.
Beretta has made bespoke firearms for many of the world’s most well-known figures. From artists and writers to celebrities and kings, custom Beretta guns of various configurations have been created with a keen eye to history, heritage, and tradition. Such is the case with the “Hemingway’s Daughter” SO10 now in production. While maintaining a focus on Ernest’s love for wingshooting, this new homage to his legacy is configured with modern considerations for today’s discerning wingshooter. In meeting this standard, “Hemingway’s Daughter” is chambered in 20-gauge and offered with either 28- or 30-inch barrels. The receiver is adorned with full coverage, wonderful and unique, rose and scroll pattern. The stock is fashioned with grade five walnut and features a Prince of Wales grip. The stock measurements are custom to the owner’s specifications and this fine piece of Italian craftsmanship is housed in a custom black leather case, with blood red suede interior.
Hemingway famously wrote: “There is nothing noble about being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.” This quote embodies the ideal of continual advancement, and the struggle to strive for achievement, greater than any prior. This sentiment can be applied to the genesis of Beretta through the nearly 500 years of their existence. Though Hemingway’s original SO 3 was the finest available in 1949, the evolution to even greater heights of quality, performance and beauty culminated in the SO 10 deemed “Hemingway’s Daughter.”
With seven galleries across the world, three of which are in the United States, the opportunity to own a truly legendary firearm of the highest grade and quality has never been more achievable. With expert consultants, fitters and craftsmen at your service, the Beretta Gallery emulates the very greatness embodied by the historic figures and motifs which become the muse of their canvas: wood, and steel.
Their passion for fine firearms manufacture exceeds that of the traditional gunmaker and more resembles love. Another morsel of brilliant thought Hemingway imparted on man was, “Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.” Some might assert this quote was referencing a human travel companion but those of us who know, understood the deeper meaning. The wingshooter’s shotgun is a travel companion, a companion you must love.
berettagallery.com
