One of the best known arms-manufacturers is the company Vincenzo Bernardelli in Gardone V.T. /Italy.
The company Bernardelli was established 1865, when Vincenzo Bernardelli left his business and opened a workshop of his own.
At first only damask-barrels were produced, however some years later already complete arms were made, to which they still imported gun systems from Belgium. Due to the enlargement of the business, it was also necessary to get suitable space, and this was obtained close to the church of San Carlo rather exactly at center of Gardone.
Vincenzo Bernardelli was supported by his sons Pietro, Antonio, Ludovico and Giulio, who had not only big interest in arms like him, but also showed initiative, new ideas and methods for production to improve their products, as they were required at that time on the Italian market.
At that time in the 1890ies, foreign companies dominated the Italian market. Under these circumstances, the situation of the company Bernardelli was not ideal. The advance went slowly, but nevertheless certainly steadily, so that a good position for future development was established at the beginning of the 20th century.
The begin of World War I caused full employment and further expansion of the factory.
The good economical situation lasted also during the postwar era. Meanwhile, they informed themselfes about new production-methods, that were supported by better technical knowledge. The models were revised, standardized and improved. With tightened and partially new program they began to venture on foreign markets. So the the production increased and the name Bernardelli got well know also outside from Italy.
In 1928, the production of the Revolver Model 89 (Bodeo) was started , which lasted up to the the begin of World War II.
During World War II primers for grenades were produced besides other military arms and appliances for the artillery.
After World War II and after they had overcome the war-consequences, the production of revolvers and automatic pistols started, with which they intensively dealt with the foreign markets. So a automatic pistol was manufactured since 1946, which got international acknowledgment immediately. Also the domestic market took note of the arms manufactured by Bernadelli , which also caused a gradual increase of the production rates.
The traditional methods of production were not altered however, so that most extensive hand production of specialized workers with guns of higher price range was done. The continuous expansion was accompanied by a current improvement of the plant as well as the production methods. Especially structural change was done in the years from 1968, when new office areas and machine halls were built in order to join the needs. Again in 1976 a new production hall was established and equipped with machines. An old part of the building was preserved, however, because it was about the oldest work-place area, that still reached back to the originator era; today the stock workshop is still accommodated in it.
All parts are fundamental made by Bernardelli (with exception of the raw material suppliers of course). The range of work therefore reaches from molding machines over the smithing, drilling, etc up to the woodwork. Furthermore, they had specialized in producing fine-casting parts. As from the beginning this department was not employed enough by own processing, also external jobs were executed. Similarly it was done in the milling department, where jobs for the car industry were executed. Still, the company Vincenzo Bernadelli is an arms factory, that is well established worldwide and got a good name in Italiy also on the foreign markets.
Today, the company Vincenzo is led by the grandsons of the originator, and they are proud to be not only one of the biggest arms companies, but also on top of that quality, that always marked the products of the company Bernardelli.
The present production program is very versatile. Pistols, revolvers, backup-guns, muzzle loaders and shotguns are produced. The total production in 1976 was about 30,000 arms per year, which about 12,000 pieces of guns approximately. Another branch is the production of military accessories.