Guns International #: 100620443
Seller's Inventory #: 47335

Category - AYA - Aguirre y Aranzabal Shotguns

Category
AYA - Aguirre y Aranzabal Shotguns

AGUIRRE Y ARANZABAL O/U Shotgun TWO BARREL SET ONCE BELONGED TO CAROLA MANDEL

Description:
AGUIRRE Y ARANZABAL O/U Shotgun TWO BARREL SET ONCE BELONGED TO CAROLA MANDEL ENGRAVED GOLD INLAID

This AYA double barrel set once belonged to Carola Mandel. She and her husband Leon Mandel were associated with the Chicago Field Museum and from December 19, 1940 to March 10, 1941, went on an expedition to the Galapagos Islands, located west of Ecuador, on their yacht the "Carola", named after Mrs. Mandel. Mrs. Mandel was also at one time the top female skeet shooter in the world. She had won just about every major tournament including her own state championship (over men), and in the 1954 Nationals she became the first woman ever to win a National championship when she won the 20 gauge skeet championship after a heated shoot-off with two men. History and shooting records attest to the fact that she was the first truly outstanding female shooter. She defeated the best male shots in the world in live pigeon tournaments held in the U.S., Britain, France and in Monte Carlo. She also did trick shooting in Vaudeville and circuses. Her record for the post war years was the most amazing shooting history ever compiled in that period. The barrel sets are blue and the boxlock action is satin coin. The left side of the action is engraved with flying ducks in a marsh scene and the right side with pheasants in a wooded scene. The remainder of the action, the trigger guard, break lever and rear edges of the top barrel are engraved with a fine floral scroll pattern. In addition, the bottom of the receiver is marked in gold inlay "CAROLA MANDEL", the top of the break lever has a gold inlaid "AYA" logo and the breech end of the matte ribs have a gold inlaid "1" and "2" respectively. Both barrels sets are 12 gauge with front and mid bead sights. Number 1 is 27 1/2 inches, chambered 3 inch, choked full/improved cylinder with ejectors and number two is 29 3/4 inches, chambered 3 inch, choked full/extra full with ejectors. Both sets have the standard barrel markings. Tang safety, Kersten cross bolt and single selective trigger. Fancy checkered three piece forearm (one lower) and pistol grip stock with a carved horn grip cap and vented Pachmayr recoil pad with spacers length of pull is 13 3/8 inches. Complete in a brown leather bound hard case with metal corner protectors, a single locking latch and two leather straps. One of the straps has about half remaining and is in the case. The outside of the lid has an affixed oval plaque which is engraved "CM". There are a few old luggage stickers on the outside. Shotgun measurements are: Bore diameter at 9" from breech .728 R/L; Wall thickness at 9" from breech .050 R/L; Drop at comb 1 1/2 inches; Drop at heel 1 3/8 inches; 0 cast; 1/8 inch toe in; Overall weight 7 Lbs 12.4 Oz.

Excellent. The barrel sets retain 98% original finish with wear limited to under the forearm. The trigger guard retains all of the blue finish. The receiver retains virtually all of the coin finish. The wood is excellent with only a few light pressure dents and handling marks. The engraving and markings remain crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with some heavy edge wear on the lid. The lining is very good with a couple of worn holes and some light stains. A leather luggage tag with Mrs. Leon Mandel's name, address and old Chicago type phone number remains on the case strap.


SHIPPING INFORMATION: Buyer pays all shipping costs. We offer flat rate $35 shipping & insurance to lower 48 states on guns under $2000. Hand guns ship 2nd Day. (M-F delivery only) Long guns ship ground. (3 to 5 days) We offer combined shipping: $35 for first gun and $15 for each additional in same box. Shipments will be delayed on any holiday. Alaska & Hawaii will be calculated on each order. We make every effort to ship the same day we receive payment & paperwork.

SOLD