First established in 1958 by Ezechiele Chiappa, the Italian-based Chiappa Firearms company was quick to build itself a solid reputation – which lasted as decades passed – through the manufacture of top-class metallic cartridge and muzzle-loading replicas for hunting, sport shooting, and collection.

Currently owned by the founder’s son Rino Chiappa and managed within the family, the Chiappa Firearms company underwent a major revolution in the past decade: not only was the product line deeply modernized, but a new and bigger headquarter was established in the northern Italian town of Azzano Mella and a north American subsidiary was founded in Dayton (OH). Today, Chiappa Firearms is one of the best established Italian gunmakers on the global markets.

But as modern as it could be, the Chiappa Firearms company does not forget its roots and history, and in 2018 it celebrates the sixtieth anniversary of its foundation with the launch of two distinct lines of .45 Colt, lever-action, limited-edition 1892-based carbines.

The two limited editions – one composed of sixty samples, one even more distinguished, with just six samples built! – were built in collaboration with the master engravers of the A&A Engraving, Inc. of Rapid City (SD). And the results exceeded expectations.

The six samples line boasts a 24-inch octagonal barrel, a selected walnut stock and forend, a richly laser-engraved frame with gold inlays, an enlarged buckhorn rear sight, and a golden finish on all metal surfaces. Of the six samples to be manufactured, one will be sold for each continent and one will be kept in the company’s private collection. The sixty samples line is pretty much alike, but sports a jet black finish on all metal surfaces.