1526
Beretta was founded just shy of 500 years ago, in 1526 – by Mastro Bartolomeo Beretta. Their first sale was to the Arsenal of Venice – who paid 296 ducats for 185 arquebus barrels. The small sheet of paper with the scribbled totals serving as the first “official invoice” sits today in the state archives of the Venetian Capital. However, due to the title written on the invoice addressing “Mastro” Bartolomeo Beretta, there is evidence that could suggest the company had been active long before the transaction, as much as two full generations earlier.
Bartolomeo went on to pass down the company to Jacopo, his son – starting the wave of the Family Legacy that would only continue to grow in size and stature as generations pass. In the 1800’s, Pietro Antonio Beretta travelled vastly through Italy to spread awareness of their products. This proved to be a very difficult task due to foreign domination. Pietro collected many orders during his tour in Italy.
Birth of Beretta
At the same time, the official name of the company was registered as Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta. His son, Giuseppe, then went on to create the Beretta Headquarters to aid in expansion of the company, still in operation today. Giuseppe began to steer the company into a narrower focus in their production of premium firearms.
It was the turn of the twentieth century that became a vital moment for the company. A small company with a mere 130 employees, transformed and grew faster than it had ever before.
Propelling themselves forward, Beretta began filing patents for many different devices, mechanisms, and technologies. Expanding their specialties and growing from 130 employees to 1,500. Pietro also created the first semi-auto pistol, which later became adopted by the Royal Army. Then one of their first models of machine guns became a staple for the Italian Army. This is just the introduction to their multiple models being utilized by the Military. As centuries pass, their products continues to serve as a staple for both the Army and Police Forces today.
Making A Name
1975 – the 9mm Semi-Auto Model 92 Pistol was born. Known to be one of the most successful firearms in history, this model can be found being used throughout numerous Armed and Police Forces all around the world. In 1985, The 92FS Pistol became the official firearm to the US Armed Forces – a tradition and legend that is still being continued today. Today, there are over 4,000,000 units in circulation and are continued to be produced.
In 1995 – Management decided it was time to go directly to customers again. The first Beretta Flagship store was unveiled in New York City, right on Madison Ave. Today, that idea has grown to 9 Flagship stores all over the globe – reaching Dallas, Memphis, London, Paris, Buenos Aires, Milan & Moscow.
Today
Beretta is currently managed by the 14th generation – Cavalier Ugo Gussalli Beretta. A company office opened in the United States, thanks to Ugo. However, in recent years – the leadership role has fallen onto Ugo’s son, Franco. Franco continues to devote investments and research into his company to provide new and upcoming products for customers.
Rich Cole began his professional journey with a position at Beretta. He was hired in 1979, and spent a number of years working with them in Accokeek, Maryland. He also apprenticed in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, where he received extensive gunsmith training, he continues to pass along to his gunsmiths today.
Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing is also one of the only Beretta Warranty Centers in the US, and we carry a high volume and variety of Beretta Premium Shotguns. Fill out a Gunsmithing Work Order Today & Send Us Your Shotgun!
