TGR StaffWhen it comes to fine firearms, few companies hold the reverence and legacy that Beretta commands. Known for their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, Beretta has long been one of the most trusted brands in the shooting sports community. Each year, Beretta releases a one-of-a-kind, celebratory piece, a shotgun that honors both history and innovation. In 2024, the company unveiled a tribute to a man whose spirit of exploration forever reshaped the world: Marco Polo.
Marco Polo, the Venetian merchant, adventurer, and pioneer, was the first documented European to travel across the Asian continent. His journey, chronicled in The Travels of Marco Polo (also known as Milione), introduced Europe to the riches and mysteries of the Orient and ignited the Age of Exploration. His legacy, immortalized in literature and legend, inspired countless explorers, including Christopher Columbus, who set sail to find new worlds and new lands. In honor of this extraordinary figure, Beretta has crafted the SO6 EELL Sparviere Marco Polo, a tribute to both Polo’s adventures and Beretta’s own tradition of exploration and craftsmanship.
The Spirit of Marco Polo Lives On in the Marco Polo PB Selection Shotgun
At the heart of this magnificent firearm is the SO6 EELL Sparviere, a platform already renowned for its elegance and performance. This special edition, however, elevates the platform into the realm of art. With 1500 hours of hand-engraving and 500 additional hours of craftsmanship by Beretta’s finest gunsmiths, the Marco Polo PB Selection is more than just a firearm; it is a tribute to one of history’s greatest explorers. Every detail has been meticulously considered, from the engraved scenes of Polo’s travels to the copper-inlay elements that speak to his legendary journey.
Franco Gussalli Beretta, the President & CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, captured the essence of this celebratory firearm when he said, “The Marco Polo PB Selection shotgun is an ode to a brave traveler who wasn’t afraid to face new cultures and people, an explorer who opened his arms and eyes to the wonder of the world, but always remaining tied to his homeland. This is the same spirit of Beretta: we bring our products around the globe, but our heart remains here, in Gardone Val Trompia, the only place where we are able to create unique pieces of engineering art.”
This sentiment is reflected in every element of the firearm, a perfect marriage of form and function, crafted by the artisans who make Beretta the icon it is today. Just as Marco Polo ventured beyond the known world, Beretta continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of firearms.
A Testament to Craftsmanship: The Design of the Marco Polo Shotgun
The design of the Marco Polo SO6 EELL Sparviere is a testament to the company’s commitment to artistry and functionality. The hammered and punched receiver features intricate elements that call to mind themes of exploration and navigation. The rutter, an essential tool for maritime navigation, covers the receiver, symbolizing Marco Polo’s own journey across the seas. Copper-inlayed and enameled compass roses further enhance the shotgun, embellishing the hinge pins, screws, top lever, and even the bottom of the pistol grip. The intricate design is not merely decorative; it tells the story of Polo’s journey, his connection to the sea, and his fascination with the unknown.
The shotgun’s engraving is also a direct nod to Polo’s travels. A copper medallion with Polo’s profile is chiseled into the bottom of the receiver, accompanied by detailed depictions of him embarking on his journey by horse and returning by ship. The trigger guard, a focal point of the piece, features a copper-inlay pattern of diamonds and stars, with additional intricate detailing on the forend iron, top rib, and the sides of the receiver.
Each side plate represents a pivotal moment in Polo’s travels. The left side depicts Venice, Polo’s hometown, while the right side showcases the Mongolian steppes and the vast landscapes of Asia that he explored. The intricacy of the burin engraving brings these scenes to life, making each plate not only a work of art but a historical homage to one of the world’s greatest explorers.
Uniting Tradition with Innovation
In true Beretta fashion, the Marco Polo SO6 EELL Sparviere is a fusion of tradition and innovation. The SO6 Sparviere mechanism, a traditional and exclusive platform, has been reimagined to create something entirely new and unexpected. The side plates open like the wings of a bird, a feature that speaks to the company’s ever-evolving approach to design.
Carlo Ferlito, the General Manager & CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, shared his thoughts on the project: “As a company, we try to follow Marco Polo’s attitude to explore: we spend our existence pushing our boundaries and expanding our horizons. We research to find always new solutions, techniques and materials and provide hunters and shooters with innovative and unconventional products.” The Marco Polo SO6 EELL Sparviere is a perfect example of this philosophy, blending old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques to create a firearm that is both timeless and forward-thinking.
The stock of the Marco Polo shotgun is made from Grade 5 walnut wood, a luxurious material that is finished with around 80 layers of Tru-Oil® to achieve a flawless, high-gloss finish. The checkering on the stock is Scottish in style, a nod to Polo’s time spent in the East, while the blued Steelium® Optimabore® HP barrels are mirror-polished by hand, ensuring not only visual beauty but performance as well.
The Case: A Work of Art in Itself
A firearm like the Marco Polo SO6 EELL Sparviere deserves a case that is just as extraordinary. Beretta spared no expense in designing a case that complements the shotgun’s elegance and craftsmanship. Handmade in Beretta’s PB Selection Atelier, the case features bright yellow leather with a digital print of a medieval map, depicting the world as it was known during Marco Polo’s travels. The edges and handle are trimmed in blue leather, creating a striking contrast to the vibrant yellow exterior.
Inside, the case is lined with Venetian red silk fabric adorned with a golden rose design, creating a lavish interior that mirrors the elegance of the firearm it holds. Every detail of the case, from the luxurious materials to the careful craftsmanship, speaks to Beretta’s commitment to creating an all-encompassing experience for the owner of the Marco Polo shotgun.
The Murano Display Case: A Final Touch of Venetian Heritage
No Beretta one-off would be complete without a special display case, and the Marco Polo SO6 EELL Sparviere is no exception. The firearm comes with a unique display case crafted in Murano, Venice, by the skilled artisans of Arte Veneziana. The case, made from matt-lacquered wood and galvanized steel, features extra-clear tempered glass that has been hand-engraved to depict the departure of Marco Polo from Venice. The glass decoration is inspired by the original miniatures from Milione, capturing the historical moment when Polo set sail on his journey to the East.
A Legacy of Beretta’s Annual Celebrative One-Offs
The Marco Polo SO6 EELL Sparviere is part of Beretta’s longstanding tradition of celebratory one-off firearms, each designed to honor a pivotal figure or moment in history. Previous editions include tributes to Leonardo Da Vinci, Dante Alighieri, and Nicolaus Copernicus, among others. Each firearm is a testament to Beretta’s ability to combine historical reverence with cutting-edge craftsmanship, resulting in pieces that are as much works of art as they are functional firearms.
In 2024, Beretta’s tribute to Marco Polo stands as a fitting continuation of this tradition, honoring a man whose spirit of exploration and curiosity changed the course of history. The Marco Polo SO6 EELL Sparviere is more than just a shotgun; it is a legacy, a symbol of the unyielding pursuit of adventure and the artistry of Beretta.
As we look to the future, the Marco Polo SO6 EELL Sparviere serves as a reminder of the boundless potential of exploration, both in the world of shooting sports and beyond. Whether you are a collector, an enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, this extraordinary firearm is a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure that has defined Beretta for centuries.
History of Beretta Annual Firearms:
- 2019: SL3 Da Vinci – 500th anniversary from Leonardo Da Vinci’s death
- 2020: SL3 Vittoria Alata – Celebrating the reveal after restoration of the Vittoria Alata’s Roman statue, the symbol of Brescia and former Beretta logo
- 2021: SL3 Dante – 700th anniversary from Dante Alighieri’s death
- 2022: SL3 Tutankhamen – 100th anniversary from the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb
- 2023: 486 Copernicus – 550th anniversary from Nicolaus Copernicus’ birth
- 2024: SO6 EELL Sparviere Marco Polo – 700th anniversary from Marco Polo’s passing
