During its 500th-anniversary year, Beretta continues to explore the boundaries of fine gunmaking with another commemorative creation: a one-off pair of side-by-side shotguns inspired by the perpetual movement of water, one of nature’s purest and most mutable forces. The 1526 Parallelo draws on the fluid elegance of the Beretta 486 by Marc Newson while incorporating the technical refinement associated with the SO10. This exclusive pair of 12-gauge side-by-sides combines the traditional long sideplates and true sidelock mechanism of a classic fine gun with an unprecedented design intended to suggest the movement of water: continuous, reflective and alive.
Franco Gussalli Beretta, President and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., commented: “The Beretta 486 by Marc Newson represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to work with one of the world’s most influential industrial designers. Coming from outside the firearms world, Marc brought us a vision shaped by his contemporary yet iconic design language. “For this unique pair, we did not want to give up the revolutionary design and flowing lines of his side-by-side. At the same time, we wanted to pay tribute to the timeless appeal of the traditional long sideplates of a sidelock action. The result is something we have never seen before.”
For the first time in fine gunmaking, the fleeting movement of ripples across a liquid surface is captured and rendered in steel. From the center of the receiver, the gold Beretta 500 Years anniversary logo appears to generate waves that spread outward across the surface before merging into a completely hand-finished mirror polish – a visual symbol of continuity and transformation.
Fluid design, extraordinary mechanical complexity
The apparent simplicity of the 1526 Parallelo conceals an extraordinary degree of complexity. Purity of form, machining precision and flawless execution leave virtually no room for error or compromise.
Emanuele Cecchel, PB Selection Platform Manager, explained the research and development work behind the pair: “The development of 1526 Parallelo demanded a complete re-engineering of Marc Newson’s iconic side-by-side action to accommodate a true sidelock mechanism while preserving its distinctive, streamlined profile and achieving the slimmest possible cross-section. Leveraging state-of-the-art machining technologies, we managed to eliminate the traditional hinge pins and lower plate, creating a seamless round-body receiver and leaving a blank canvas for an unprecedented design.” The pursuit of a smooth, continuous silhouette extended to every component of the action.
Marco Martelli, Head of Design at Beretta, explained: “The trigger guard, trigger, monoblock sleeve, and opening lever were all refined to eliminate visual interruptions and reinforce the flowing architecture of the action. Inspired by the elegant palmette of the SO10, the opening lever completes the design with a distinctive detail that seamlessly combines technical function and aesthetic refinement.”
The stocks and forends of the matched pair are made from carefully selected Grade 5 walnut, chosen and finished according to PB Selection standards. The two guns are matched to within a maximum weight difference of just one gram.
More than 80 hand-applied coats of Tru-Oil enhance the natural grain and depth of the wood, creating a striking contrast with the mirror-polished surfaces of the receiver and barrels. That finish is achieved through countless hours of hand polishing by Beretta’s master gunmakers in Gardone Val Trompia.
A bespoke case for a one-of-a-kind pair
The same aesthetic and philosophical theme of ripples expanding outward from a central point is carried over to the equally exclusive 1526 Parallelo presentation case.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the project, Irene Ferlito, PB Selection Product Manager, commented: “1526 Parallelo is not a tribute - it is a new platform, a bold statement of innovation and timeless beauty. To house this unique pair, a bespoke lacquered wood motor case was crafted and adorned with laser-engraved wave motifs around the handle and integrated DLC-coated locks. Its French-fitted interior, lined in black Alcantara by the Pietro Beretta Selection Gun Case Atelier, showcases the shotguns with understated sophistication, transforming storage into a ritual and ownership into an expression of refined taste.”
For more information on the 1526 Parallelo and Beretta’s other 500th-anniversary commemorative models, visit Beretta’s official 500 Years website.
