Ignacio Ucartechea Eibar Spain, Engraved Sidelock Case Color 27.5” SxS Side By Side Shotgun 1963 C&R

SOLD
LSB#: 171014AL08

Make: Ignacio Ucartechea

Model: Sidelock (similar to the model 119?)

Serial Number: 4778

Year of Manufacture: 1963 (I1 date code)

Gauge: 20 Gauge 70mm Chamber

Action Type: SXS Side By Side Sidelock Shotgun. See mechanics: extractor.

Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “IGNACIO UGARTECHEA – EIBAR”. The underside of the barrels has various marks and numbers. Some are finished over and difficult to clearly make out. There barrel flats are marked “20-70”, crown over “IU” in a circle, “X” in a shield, “2” in crossed rifles, “BP” in a shield, with the serial number “4778” and “850 KGS”. Similar proofs are on the watertable and “I. UGARTECHEA” stamp. The forend wood is marked “778”

Barrel Length: 27.5”

Choke: Both the right and left barrel are modified. The left barrel is only the slightest bit tighter choke.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a bead at the muzzle

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are wood with checkering to the wrist and forend. There are a few imperfections to the checkers, flat spots, missed checkers, scratches and compressions. The forend has one long scratch though the checkering. There buttstock has a lighter appearance then the forend, the fit and finish dictates they are both original. There is a small chip missing in the edge of the forend where it meets the barrel on the left side. The butt is hand checkered, no plate or pad is installed. There are scratches and bruises from normal field use. The LOP measures 14.25” and 13.25” from the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The stocks rate in about Very Good – Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue Barrel and Case Color Receiver

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling wear and thinning to the finish in these areas. There muzzle has some finish thinning. There is some light pinprick erosion scattered about, most will go unnoticed and muted with a little oil. The areas of note would be in the handled areas of the lower tang and trigger guard. There are some scratches to the finish from the assembly and disassembly of the shotgun. Most of the wear and marks are from normal field use. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear, except for the underside of the barrel. These marks are placed on the barrels before they are finished and have final finish applied over the top making them soft. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good – Fine condition.

Mechanics: The ejector is missing something, we think it is a retaining screw of some kind. It falls out freely with the barrel off the gun. It jiggles side to side when assembled. It still functions as an extractor, but care needs to be taken when closing the action. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: These shotguns are some of the hidden gems you find at auction. Painstakingly built by hand, these are not mass produced or fit with an “Acceptable” tolerance. This shotgun has great fit and finish. This shotgun displays honest field use. We think that the ejector was disabled by the previous owner likely to prevent shells flying around in the field. We all know how old guys barely bend over to get the bird from the dog’s mouth, less bend over to the ground and pick up shells. As long as care is taken when closing the action there shouldn’t be any problems in this writer’s opinion. A beautiful shotgun that really needs a good home for the next dove and quail season.