Engraved Victor Sarasqueta Sidelock .375 H&H Magnum Double Rifle, 1952 C&R
Sold For: $8,075
LSB#: 200923YH02
Make: Victor Sarasqueta
Model: Double Rifle
Serial Number: AM97141
Year of Manufacture: 1952 (*/X date code)
Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland (H&H) Magnum
Action Type: Sidelock, Side by Side, Dual Trigger, Double Rifle with Ejectors
Markings: The top of the left barrel is marked “375 HOLLAND & HOLLAND BELTED MAGNUM CARTRIDGE, 300 GRAIN BULLET”. The bottom of each barrel flat is marked “375”, with Spanish proofs and with Victor Sarasqueta’s trademark, a running rabbit with “V” and “S” at each end of a diamond. The left flat has “* / X” date code, the right has “5792”. The bottom of each barrel is marked “375”, the bottom of the right is marked “1840 Gmos”. The left of the forend lug is marked “97141”, the right “12474”. The inside of the forend is stamped “97141”. The water table is marked “AM97141”, “375”, with Spanish proofs and Victor Sarasqueta’s trademark. The receiver has full coverage rose and scroll engraving with the motif continuing on the lever, guard, grip cap, the rear of the barrel rib, and the exposed portion of the forend iron.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade in-line dovetailed to a rise at the front of the barrel’s solid rib. The rear sight is a shallow “V”-notch express sight with vertical silver or platinum inlay, dovetailed to the rear of the rib. The top of the rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 8 lb., 0.2 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, cheekpiece on the left (for a right-handed shooter) and ventilated brown rubber White Line recoil pad. The stocks have minor handling wear with light handling marks and a very minor crack at the top-rear corner of the forend on the left. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ and 13 3/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the recoil pad, 13 1/8″ and 12 1/4″ to the back of the wood. The cast is about neutral. The pad is still supple with minor wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-plus condition and would rate Excellent but for the tiny crack.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion scattered in the bores.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance is in minor operational wear and light handling marks. The barrels and guard retain strong blue finish. The receiver and grip cap have vibrant case color. The screw heads are sharp. The pin heads are unmarred. The markings are generally clear. Oddly, the “V”s and “S”s of the Sarasqueta trademark are each marred, though the rabbits are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly including ejectors. The barrels lock up with no play. The triggers are light and crisp. There are cocking indicators on each sideplate with a gold line which sits at an angle when cocked and rotate flat when fired. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a luggage case with green canvas exterior and leather corner bolsters, green felt-lined interior, English-style leather straps, leather carry handle and latch with lock (no key is included). The case has compartments for the barrel assembly, the stocked receiver, and accessories. Accessories include bore brushes and mop stored in a Kynoch 9.3mm Mauser cartridge box, a box of Ohio Blue Tip matches, a small glass bottle with oiler, and a larger tin oiler with a John Rigby & Co. best Rangoon oil label. The exterior of the case has scattered scuffing and general storage wear, with the areas under the straps showing darker green color than the exposed areas, and intact stitching. The interior shows similar wear from the contents. Overall, the case is in about Good-Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Eibar region of Spain has long been a center of arms manufacture in the region. While there has long been a large range in quality, there have also been some makers who consistently turned out a good product. Victor Sarasqueta was one of the best, making Spanish “Best Guns” which rivalled the British makers after which they were patterned. This double rifle is one such example with Holland & Holland-style detachable sidelocks, cocking indicators, express sights, and beautiful rose and scroll engraving. The fit and finish is great, the action is tight and apart from some light erosion in the bores, the gun is in really outstanding shape for a nearly 70 year old gun. Whether you’re looking to go on Safari or just appreciate a finely made double rifle, this is a great one to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R CAN be transferred in California. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
