J. J. (Juan José) Sarasqueta was the elder brother of Victor Sarasqueta. J.J. Sarasqueta founded his shotgun making business in 1882 and his descendants, trading under the name Vda. y Hijos de JJ Sarasqueta, published their Centennial catalog in 1982. Victor began his gun making career working in the shop of his brother, J.J., before opening his own business.
Like just about all the Spanish artisanal shotgun makers of Spain, J. J. Sarasqueta made shotguns to every price point at which a demand existed. You’re more likely to encounter a gun made to a low price point than a high price point simply because the market is larger at the bottom than the top, but his guns at all price points were well made, durable, and reliable. His top end guns (like those of his brother, Victor) were just exquisite.
Thanks! That is indeed helpful information. If my inquiries into SXS's continue to turn up nothing I'll be giving this piece a closer look. They showed me a pic of the proofhouse certificate, but I don't recall what date (if any) was on it. But I get the feeling that this is probably a 60's or 70's era (maybe as late as the 80's) gun.
