October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
In the early 1950's AYA made some truly exceptional high quality hand made guns including this fine example specially made to well known gun writer Elmer Keith's specifications. This cataloger recalls reading an account by Elmer detailing his ordering and receiving of this gun, but cannot remember where, probably in an old GUNS AND AMMO. It was built in Keith's favorite 16 gauge with single selective trigger, ventilated rib, beavertail forend, and cheekpiece. All the things Elmer thought a proper shotgun should have. The well struck 30" chopper lump barrels are fitted with an unusual slightly raised flat matted ventilated rib with two steel sighting beads. Tops of barrels are engraved with AYA name and address and steel type (Chromo - Niquel). Barrel flats are stamped with serial number and 1952 Spanish nitro proofs for 2 - 3/4" chambers. Choke numbers are stamped on bottoms of barrels. H&H type sidelock action is case hardened and features non-automatic safety (S inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, bushed strikers, side clips, gas vents, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and single selective trigger of Miller type, probably supplied to AYA by Elmer Keith. Action is filed in "best" manner with delicate beads around fences. Fitting of barrels and forend iron is very precise. Action and locks are engraved with near full coverage classic rose and scroll, the execution of which rivals the best in the industry with its nicely shaded scroll and well detailed rose bouquets. "AGUIRRE Y ARANZABAL" is at the bottom of each lockplate,as well as on bottom of action along with "EIBAR". Blued top lever and trigger guard have matching scroll. Serial number is in low relief on trigger guard tang. Smoky marbled French walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 - 1/4" over red open sided AYA pad. Nicely shaped drop points are behind locks. Well cut point pattern checkering is on diamond hand. A shadow line cheekpiece, a feature that Elmer thought was a necessity on a shotgun, is on the left side of butt. A gold heraldic US eagle over the individual initials "EK" are inlet on toe line. Matching extra long beavertail ejector forend has Anson release. Gun is housed in its original tan leather case with riveted on nickel-plated corners. A nickel plated oval on top is engraved "EK". A return address label for Ted Keith, Boise Idaho, is affixed to front. Interior is lined in green cloth and contains 2-piece aluminum and plastic Parker Hale cleaning rod, case straps, cleaning brush, and original proof certificate dated 14 November 1952. CONDITION: Excellent, original, as found, showing evidence of only occasional light field use, retaining nearly all original finishes with slight high edge silvering on barrels and action, and some lifting of stock finish toward rear of butt, and some wear of finish at balance point on forend. Bores are excellent. Mechanically excellent. Case leather has some light marks and scuffs. Plating of hardware is slightly toned. Interior cloth has a few rubs and a bit of soiling. An incredible piece of Keith memorabilia. MGM 101
Barrel Wall Thickness
L .040 R .040
Choke
L .037 (full) R .039 (full)
Internal Bore Diameter
L .655 R .658