SO Sparviere Marco Polo: A Tribute to Exploration
Gardone Val Trompia, 26th of December 2024 - Seven centuries ago, a man who dared to traverse the unknown and redefine the boundaries of human understanding passed away in his beloved hometown Venice. Marco Polo’s courage and curiosity made him the first documented European to journey across the entire Asian continent. His travels, immortalized in Il Milione (also known as The Travels of Marco Polo or Book of the Marvels of the World), unveiled the breathtaking riches and mysteries of the Orient, capturing the imagination of civilizations across Europe and the Mediterranean. His vivid accounts ignited the Age of Exploration, inspiring visionaries like Christopher Columbus to embark on journeys that forever reshaped history.
In 2024, Beretta proudly dedicates its annual One of a kind to Marco Polo’s life and legacy with a bespoke creation: a one-of-a-kind firearm crafted on the legendary SO6 EELL Sparviere over-and-under platform. This masterpiece channels the spirit of exploration and precision, delivering the speed and elegance hunters demand. This isn’t just another shotgun; it’s a masterpiece crafted for those who refuse to settle for ordinary. Its sleek lines and perfect balance make it a joy to handle, while its craftsmanship ensures reliability when it matters most. This is a shotgun you’ll either be using or admiring never forgotten in a corner. But you know that already.
Franco Gussalli Beretta, President & CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, perfectly encapsulates what makes the SO Sparviere Marco Polo so extraordinary when he describes it as “an ode to a brave traveller 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.” As enthusiasts, we feel this spirit deeply. This shotgun represents not just craftsmanship but a connection to history, to Marco Polo’s Venice - a city tied intricately to Beretta’s legacy, where in the 1980s a document tracing Beretta’s origins back to 1526 was discovered.
This incredible find allows Beretta to celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2026, further cementing its place in history. The SO Sparviere Marco Polo is a one-of-a-kind tribute, a 12-gauge over-and-under shotgun that took over 1,500 hours of hand-engraving by master gunsmiths, stock makers, and gun case artisans. Months of dedicated research and development by Beretta’s design and marketing teams went into this masterpiece, making it not just a firearm but a work of engineering art - a tangible symbol of the values that define Beretta: heritage, innovation, and a passion for excellence.
The Marco Polo PB Selection Shotgun is an ode to a brave traveller 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.
The hammered and punched body of the receiver is a true masterpiece, a celebration of the art of sailing and exploration. Every detail tells a story, from the rutter (Portolano or Periplus), a timeless treasure of maritime navigation, to the intricate copper-inlaid and enamelled compass roses that adorn the hinge pins, top lever, screws, and the bottom of the pistol grip. It’s as if the spirit of adventure has been etched into every surface.
The copper-inlaid pattern of diamonds and stars elevates the design further, gracing the trigger guard, forend iron, top lever, top rib, receiver shoulders, safety, bead, and even the interior of the sideplates. And the pièce de résistance? The hand-detachable sidelock action of the SO Sparviere, which invites you to marvel at the exquisite internal decorations - pure artistry for those who truly appreciate craftsmanship and heritage.
The rich history of the Venetian explorer Marco Polo comes to life through extraordinary details. A copper medallion, engraved with his profile, graces the bottom of the receiver, accompanied by intricate figures depicting Polo’s journey - leaving on horseback and returning by ship. The trigger guard features the anniversary years, copper-inlaid alongside a dragon symbolizing China.
The top lever is adorned with a silver-inlaid winged lion, the emblem of Venice, and a fretworked key symbolizing Marco Polo’s sheep, an Asian argali sheep described in Il Milione. Completing the tribute, the MARCOPOLO7 dedicated serial number is meticulously copper-inlaid on the receiver tang, a final touch that captures the spirit of exploration and adventure.
We strive to follow Marco Polo’s spirit of adventure, constantly pushing boundaries, expanding horizons, and seeking new solutions, techniques, and materials.
Carlo Ferlito, General Manager & CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, captured the essence of what every enthusiast dreams of when he spoke about Beretta’s commitment to innovation and exploration. He declared, “We strive to follow Marco Polo’s spirit of adventure, constantly pushing boundaries, expanding horizons, and seeking new solutions, techniques, and materials." This philosophy comes alive in the SO Sparviere, a masterpiece that transforms tradition into breathtaking innovation. Its side plates open like the wings of a bird - an engineering marvel that combines artistry and function. The craftsmanship from the Pietro Beretta Selection atelier is nothing short of awe-inspiring, delivering a shotgun that goes beyond imagination and redefines what’s possible. For those of us who admire the intersection of heritage and ingenuity, the SO Sparviere is a celebration of excellence that we can truly marvel at.
The SO6 EELL Sparviere Marco Polo is a testament to Beretta's unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication to celebrating history through artistry. From the exquisite grade 5 walnut wood with its flawless finish and Scottish checkering to the mirror-polished Steelium® Optibamore® HP barrels, every detail radiates excellence. The bespoke gun case, crafted with bright yellow leather featuring a medieval world map and Venetian silk fabric, perfectly complements this masterpiece. Adding a final flourish, the custom display case by Arte Veneziana, with its hand-engraved glass inspired by Il Milione, captures the spirit of Marco Polo’s journey from Venice to the East. This one-of-a-kind creation celebrates the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s passing, continuing Beretta's tradition of annual celebratory pieces. For more information on this extraordinary firearm and Beretta’s legacy, visit Beretta's website.
And - in case it was not obvious - we want one too.
