Caesar Guerini Invictus Artco: A Bold New Direction in Shotgun Engraving
Invictus Background
The Invictus Series in the Caesar Guerini line is one of the more technologically advanced over-under shotguns on the market. With easily replaceable parts the firearm promises to be quantified by not “not by how long you can shoot it, but how long your children and grandchildren can.” This maintenance can be made by the highly qualified dedicated smiths that Caesar Guerini USA staffs in Cambridge, Maryland. In addition to the already outstanding pitstop program which easily will extend the life of a Guerini far past that of a competitor, this technology promises to create a consistent and reliable experience for any shooter. Aesthetically, the Invictus comes in grades one through nine that increase the intricacy of the engraving. At Invictus I, there is a medium amount of engraving on an all nickel finished receiver. At the Invictus IX level, gold is added to the receiver, semi precious gemstones inlaid into creature eyes, boss style forend and sideplates to extend the amount of metal, and hand chasing applied to the engraving to heighten and perfect the look. Reliability and a trim look come together to make any Invictus series not only functional but also classically beautiful.
Artco: A New Direction
In a departure from traditional engraving, Caesar Guerini added a new work to their Invictus line. Titled the “Artco”, this work takes a modernist approach to receiver engraving. Rather than sticking to the old scroll work and game scenes, the Artco utilizes abstract forms to fill the spaces in a show of multiple shades and a balanced pattern of lines. In the words of Caesar Guerini UK, this approach focused on “create[ing] a new grade that would offer something unique, without compromising the attributes that make it so popular.”
The body of the receiver possesses many crescent-like shapes which come in both engraving and relief to create different shades around the hinge pins. The top lever and receiver tail sport more of the same and only on the raised portion of the receiver and the bottom are things changed. The sides and bottom, framed by the crescents, have fields of multidirectional lines that layer over one another generating a sort of web. Here, as well as the hinge pin, red enamel has been inlaid to give the Artco a regal design that catches the eye. Finally, between the lines, fine abstract designs fill the spaces in a subtle grey tone that adds depth to the liminal sections.
As a work, varying opinions have arisen surrounding this modern approach. Some feel its eye-catching, sporty, and racy. Others feel the look to be unappealing. Several individuals have mentioned that they can’t shake the resemblance to theUnion Jack from their minds. Regardless of tastes, the Artco comes from the hands of a master engraver working in a reputable engraving company. This would be Dario Cortini who now leads the teams of Bottega C. Giovannelli who do all the engraving work for Caesar Guerini. From the Summit to the Invictus IX, “Bottega C. Giovanelli” can be seen engraved on the bottom of all Guerinis. A look around the store reveals their collaboration with Rizzini as well. The Giovanelli engraving house has a long history in traditional engraving and the Artco, despite coming from a different artistic background, adds nuance and diversity to the market.
Closing Thoughts?
While for the most part the over-under world has mostly tolerated traditional engraving styles and the sporty “blank” receivers, it’s refreshing to see a company take a chance at a perhaps untapped taste in the industry. Engraving is a costly effort and contributes greatly to the price of a firearm. Alternative works like this test the boundaries of what is desired in the industry and open the doors for new tastes.