October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
(1952) Col. Charles Askins, son of Maj. Charles Askins, well known gun writer before WWII; was also a well known, prolific, gun writer in the 50's through the 70's, who led an interesting and checkered life starting as a border patrol agent in the southwest. He had service during WWII in Europe and Africa, after which he spent several years in Spain as an attache to the American embassy helping to re-build Spain's munitions plants. While in Spain he formed a close relationship with AYA co-founder Agustin Aranzabal. It was during this time that he acquired this fine custom made shotgun. Although mostly known for serviceable but relatively low priced double shotguns; during the early '50's, AYA produced many guns approaching the quality of London's best. The model "Senior" was built to Beesley's patent and was nearly indistinguishable from the same gun built by Purdey. Most of AYA's production was based on the Holland & Holland system as is the case with this gun. Maj. Charles Askins (the Colonel's father) was instrumental in the development of the 10 gauge 3-1/2" magnum cartridge, and was given the very first production gun in this chambering by Ithaca. That gun was later acquired by Maj. Askins' friend and contemporary gun writer, Elmer Keith. This particular gun in Maj. Askins favorite ten bore magnum loading has 30" finely struck chopper lump barrels fitted with raised flat matted "pigeon" rib. Tops of barrels are gold inlaid "Fca Aguirre y Aranzabal - MADE IN SPAIN" and "SPECIALLY MADE FOR CHARLES ASKINS". There are 4 triangles of nicely cut floral acanthus and scroll engraving at breech ends with matching triangles around muzzles. Coin finished, robust, sidelock action features non-automatic safety, hidden third fastener, side clips, bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, gold-plated internals, and gold-plated single non-elective trigger. Action is beautifully filed and all mating surfaces are closely fitted and brightly polished. Action and lockplates are engraved with full coverage well cut attenuated acanthus and floral motifs in a background of small scroll. This fine work surrounds high relief carvings of dogs and game. Left lockplate depicts a pack of hounds coursing a large boar, one hapless hound is being trampled. Right lock depicts four hounds bringing a wolf to bay. Bottom of action has vignette of pointing setter in woodlands. Fences are beautifully carved with flying ducks in marshy background. Edges are highlighted with relief scroll all within beaded borders. Blued top lever has gold inlaid AYA logo. Blued trigger guard engraved with matching floral acanthus has serial number on tang. Very finely marbled, dense European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14" over thin black KICKEEZ pad. Point pattern checkering is at grip. Toe line is embellished with inlet gold heraldic American eagle over the initials "CH A". Matching beavertail ejector forend has Anson release. Gun is housed in good quality leather case with stitched leather corners, lined in burgundy cloth. Silver embossed black leather AYA label is in lid. Case contains cleaning equipment and a square oil bottle. Gun is accompanied by "UNREPENTANT SINNER, the autobiography of Charles Askins", as well as Wikipedia information on Askins, a copy of an article from SHOOTING TIMES "The Legend of Charlie Askins" by Skeeter Skelton, information about AYA, and other information regarding this gun. CONDITION: Excellent. Barrels retain approx 95% original blue with some light marks and high edge wear. Action retains virtually all of its coin finish, lightly toned with accumulation of oil over the years. Top lever thumbpiece and trigger guard tang are very lightly silvered. Stocks retain most of their original oil finish with some marks and a few light scuffs associated with installation of newer pad. Checkering is very lightly worn. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Relatively new case is excellent. A very fine historically important Spanish "best". MGM71
Barrel Wall Thickness
L .040 R .038
Length Of Pull
14" Neutral cast
Manufacturer
Aguirre y Aranzabal