Pedro Arrizabadaga of Spain, Dual Trigger Sidelock Set, Engraved Blue & Case Colored 28” Side by Side SxS Shotguns & Luggage Case, MFD 1971

LSB#: 161020LH44 & 161020LH45

Make: Pedro Arrizabadaga

Model: Dual Trigger Sidelock Shotgun Set

Serial Number: 11974 & 11975

Year of Manufacture: 1971 (T*1 Date Code)

Gauge: Both shotguns are for 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells

Action Type: Side by Side, Top Break Sidelock Shotguns with Ejectors

Markings: The top of both barrel sets are marked “PEDRO ARRIZABADAGA – EIBAR / ACERO CROMO NIQUEL”, the rear of the ribs have “1” and “2” in gold filling, which is also found on the forend tips and top of the receivers. The underside of the barrels are marked with their choke designation and “18.5” found on all 4 barrels. The underside barrel set flat is marked “12-70” in rectangle, “PA” in oval, the serial numbers, 4 Spanish proof marks, “800Kg”, the underside of barrel 1 is also marked “1400 CRMS”, the underside of 2 is marked “1440 CRMS”. The top of the forend brackets have the serial number on the wood portion. The watertable flats of the receivers are marked with 4 Spanish proofs, “PA” in oval, “12-70” in rectangle and “EIBAR / R. ARRIZABADAGA / SPAIN” and the serial numbers. The underside of the receiver’s bottom plates are marked “PEDRO / ARRIZABADAGA / EIBAR”. The forend metal work, receivers and their components have absolutely beautiful scroll and floriated theme engraving, of masterful execution, please see our pictures of this beautiful shotgun set.

Barrel Length: Both barrels are 28” in length.

Choke: Barrel 1: The right bore is fix choked about “Improved Modified” at 0.702”, the left is fix choked 0.689”, or about Full. Barrel 2 has just about the same measurements at the bores.

Sights / Optics: The barrel sets have steel beads, screwed into the top of the ribs. The ribs are lightly cross hatched for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are beautifully burled European hardwood with sharp fit to the metal items. The splinter forends have scrape and compression marks but no cracks. The butt stocks have beautifully checkered strait wrists and spectacular grain on both items. The stocks have compression, scrape and a few gouge marks. There is a tiny un-repaired crack at the upper tang. Drop at comb on Shotgun 1 is 1 ½”, drop at comb is 2 ¼”. Drop at comb on Shotgun 2 is 1 9/16”, drop at heel is 2 7/16”. The LOP on Shotgun 1 measures 13 3/8” from the front of the rear trigger and 14 3/8” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the stock, which is skip-line checkered with compression and scrape marks. The LOP on Shotgun 2 measures 13 1/2” from the front of the rear trigger and 14 3/8” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the stock, which is skip-line checkered with compression and scrape marks. The stocks rate in about Very Good Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: Shotgun 1: The bores are bright with light bumps that transferred from marks on the outside of the barrel set. There is no erosion. Shotgun 2: The left barrel has a huge rupture and bulge, going all the way through the material. The right barrel has some mild erosion about mid-bore.

Overall Condition: Both shotguns have handling rub wear and dark spots of erosion scattered on the surfaces. The case coloring on both items remains strong in areas with handling rub wear and pin prick erosion accounting for the balance. The tangs have heavier handling wear, showing light cleaning and small marks. As mentioned above, the left barrel of shotgun 2 has a massive rupture through the metal. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, Shotgun 1 rates in Good Plus to Very Good condition, Shotgun 2 is in about Poor condition given its barrel issue, but would otherwise rate in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Both shotguns have a ‘return to safe’ function when the actions are opened. The trigger pulls are crisp and the ejectors launch with authority. We have not fired this shotgun set and highly recommend inspection by a gunsmith before use. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a beautiful leather lined hard luggage case with in-tact straps and a nice brass lock (no key is provided). The exterior has dark discoloration and some rougher handling marks infrequently observed. The interior is green felt lined, which is slightly deteriorating and there is some compacted fowling, especially on areas of rub wear contact with the shotgun set, in about Very Good condition. Also included are two extra firing pins and a vintage cloth patch, all in Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: Spain’s Eibar region has been making shotguns since the 15th century with many gunmakers landing contracts with the Spanish military through the centuries. This company was formed in 1944 and quickly became known for their spectacular fit and finish. This shotgun set was made in 1971 and is housed in a nice luggage case. The left barrel of Shotgun 2 has a huge rupture in the metal and while rendering the barrel set unsafe to shoot would be great on display, especially with the outstanding heavy scroll engraving patterns. As mentioned, the wood’s fit to the metal is crisp and the stocks on both shotguns are free from any major damages. Whether for a restoration project or display set, this one is sure to spark conversations for many decades.

Pedro Arrizabadaga of Spain, Dual Trigger Sidelock Set, Engraved Blue & Case Colored 28” Side by Side SxS Shotguns & Luggage Case, MFD 1971
Pedro Arrizabadaga of Spain, Dual Trigger Sidelock Set, Engraved Blue & Case Colored 28” Side by Side SxS Shotguns & Luggage Case, MFD 1971