I have a chance to buy a 12 gauge, 3" shotgun, made in Gardone Italy. On one side of the receiver it has "Castellani", on the other it has "Star Vega" or "Star Lega" in script.
What is the value of this gun? What was it designed for (trap,skeet,hunting)? Any idea how old it might be?
I'll apperiate any help. Thanks.

No idea.. Shotgun makers in Italy are about as numerous as hotdog vendors at a state fair; there's one on every corner..

Just make sure the barrels aren't damascus and check to see if there's a stamping near the breech re: proofing.. At least then you'll know if you can shoot modern ammo in it..

If you can't google a maker, you'll know that if it breaks you may never be able to obtain parts and they'll need to be handmade. THAT can cost you a fortune.

One word of advise, stick with a name that is well known if you are buying a Italian shotgun. Like Redneck said there are many makers, and not all are good. If you break something you could be in trouble getting parts. If you decide to sell the gun, it could be like trying to get rid of a STD, (hard to do).

Bruno Castellani is a fairly well known Italian shotgun maker. The model is called a Star Vega. If you google "Italian shotgun Castellani" you'll find a bunch of hits.