Make: Pietro Beretta / American Historical Foundation

Model: 96D Centurion, "The Golden Centurion .40” Special Edition

Serial Number: A18269M

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1992 / Modern

Caliber: .40 S&W

Action Type: Double-Action-Only, Semi-Automatic Pistol, Fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: Approximately 4.3", factory Centurion configuration.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch sight dovetailed to the slide. Both sights have been finished to match the gold-plated presentation treatment.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth dark-finished hardwood panels with gold-colored screws. The left panel is inset with a Golden Centurion Special Edition medallion. The grips show light handling and storage marks, including a few scattered scratches. There are no chips or cracks visible. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Gold Plated with Extensive Floral Scroll Engraving

Finish Originality: Original to the American Historical Foundation Special Edition

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains approximately 99% of its American Historical Foundation gold-plated finish. The surfaces show light handling and storage marks with a few scattered fine scratches. There is no operational wear. The extensive scroll engraving remains sharp and well defined. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with its fitted glass-top hardwood American Historical Foundation presentation case, Beretta-branded blue plastic hard case, total of one 10rd magazine, presentation-case key, pair of white handling gloves, and operating-instructions/warning tag.

Our Assessment: The Model 96D was Beretta's double-action-only .40 S&W member of the 90-series family, while the Centurion configuration combined a shorter slide and barrel with the full-size grip frame. The American Historical Foundation commissioned special-edition firearms from major manufacturers and embellished them for the collector market; its Golden Centurion treatment transformed the utilitarian Model 96D with a highly polished gold-plated finish, extensive scroll engraving, presentation grips, and a dedicated fitted display case.

This example presents especially well, retaining nearly all of its brilliant presentation finish and remaining with the fitted display case, gloves, and tag. The combination of Beretta's relatively uncommon 96D Centurion configuration with the elaborate American Historical Foundation treatment makes this an eye-catching period presentation pistol and a distinctive addition to a Beretta or commemorative handgun collection.