Arrieta y Cia Sidelock Hammerless Double Gun 28″ 12 GA SXS Shotgun, 1986
SOLD FOR: $4325
LSB#: 230130DF006
Make: Arrieta y Cia
Model: Sidelock Double Gun
Serial Number: 34433
Year of Manufacture: 1986
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever Break Side by Side (SxS) with Double Triggers and Ejectors
Markings: There are gold “1”s on the top-rear of the barrel rib, the forend tip, and the top of the lever. The top of the right barrel is marked “FCA. DE ESCOPETAS ARRIETA – ELGOIBAR (ESPANA)”. The barrel flats have a series of Spanish proof and inspection marks, date code and “A.C” in oval. The water table also has Spanish proof/inspection marks, the same “A.C.” and an Arrieta maker’s mark. The serial number is marked on the guard, water table, barrel flat and the inside of the forend. The trigger guard has a gold fleur de lis bracketed by “A C” inside a gold oval. The receiver has extensive rose and scroll engraving. The initial plate in the belly is marked with an “RNH” monogram.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: The right barrel is choked Improved Cylinder and the left barrel is choked Modified.
Weight: 7 lbs, 2.8 oz
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the solid, tapered rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with splinter forend, straight grip, straight comb and leather-covered buttpad. The stocks have a few light nicks and scratches, mostly behind the wrist checkering. There is some slight disturbance of the surfaces at the rear edges of the sideplates. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/2” and 13 1/2” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad, 13 1/2″ and 12 1/2″ to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and is still fairly supple. The drop at the comb is about 1 3/8” and the drop at the heel is about 2 1/8”. The stock is cast off. The stocks rate in Fine-Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrels & Coined Receiver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The barrels have some light nicks and scratches as well as some minor wear from the forend which is concealed when assembled. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the automatic safety is applied upon moving the top lever. The barrels lock up with no play to the frame. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: From Arrieta’s website, “Avelino Arrieta established himself as a gunsmith in Eibar in 1919. The Arrieta family lived and worked in the industrial town of Elgoibar, a short distance from Eibar on the Deba river. The workshop has included over the years a variable workforce producing mainly sidelock shotguns on the bench. With very little machinery, these tough craftsmen have modeled their guns on the English ideal: Holland-pattern sidelock, with assisted-opening mechanism and Purdey triple-bolting system. And both shotguns of all the calibers and gauges and express rifles have been completely manufactured in the basque region and exported and sold all over the world.”
The inspiration of British Best guns is on stunning display in this piece. Its coin-finished receiver has beautiful rose-and-scroll engraving, removable sidelocks, the gun balances and handles beautifully. It is truly a functional piece of art. It has minor wear, appearing to have maybe seen a couple of trips in the field. This gorgeous gun is ready for your next hunt. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
