y very first double, indeed my very first shotgun, vas a 12 bore Spanish BLNE by Crucelegui Hermanos, a lesser known Spanish maker.
At the age of 16 I just did not know enough to shop around for a sound second hand British gun.
It was sound enough and gave me good service, especially once I had the chokes opened out.
The stamped on engraving (applied without the punches being held square - the top half of a Hunter shooting at half a pheasant) did not improve it.
I have occasionally seen others in Online Auctions in the £5 to £10 estimate range.
I was therefore intrigued to see in the current Holts sealed bids sale, what was clearly their attempt to produce a best grade sidelock ejector:-
CRUCELEGUI HNOS. SRC. EIBAR 12-BORE HAND-DETACHABLE SIDELOCK EJECTOR, serial no. CH81750, for 1972, 28 3/8in. nitro chopperlump barrels,tapered engine-turned rib, gold-inlaid 'CRUCELEGUI HNOS. SRC. EIBAR.', the breech-ends of the tubes engraved with acanthus scrollwork, 2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 and 3/4 choke, treble-grip action with hidden third-bite, removable striker discs, toplever gold-inlaid 'CH', automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SEGURO' detail, hand-detachable sidelocks, gold-inlaid arrow cocking indicators, articulated front trigger, rolled-edge triggerguard, border, acanthus scroll and floral bouquet engraving, bright finish, 14 1/4in. figured stock, triggerguard gold-inlaid 'No. 81750.', weight 7lb. 2oz
I am curious to know whether the quality meets the ambition of the specification, but with a lower estimate of £250 not that curious, especially when the barrels need striking down and re-blacking.
I can’t post the photos 😠 but if you want a look it is Lot 7003.
(COULD NOT RESIST PASTING THIS FROM ANOTHER THREAD - sorry for inflicting on you twice)
