I am not a Spanish gun expert, but there is a bit of history on this subject in the book, Spanish Best, The Fine Shotguns of Spain, by Terry Wieland.

From what is written in his book, it seems that the Basques started to become influenced by the English gunmakers sometime following the Napoleonic Peninsular War. It began with the discovery of quality Spanish steel gun barrels by English Officers and their London gunmakers, which in turn later created a trade in Spanish iron ore and English coal between the two countries. Following this, it appears the real emulation of English gunmaking started in earnest during the early 1900s through King Alphonso XIII of Spain and his enthusiasm for English guns and shooting sports. The King became a real fan of James Purdey & Sons gunmaking and so patronized them heavily. As such, the Spanish gunmakers starting with Victor Sarasqueta (whom was appointed Royal Gunmaker to the King in 1902), began to copy the style of the Purdey guns for the King. That Alfonso XIII was a dedicated lover of Purdey guns does not mean that he neglected the gunmakers of Spain. In Eibar, the Basque gunmakers were flourishing amid Spains enthusiastic pursuit of the shooting sports, and none more so than Victor Sarasqueta. ..... From that time [1902] until Alfonsos fall from power [1931], Sarasqueta was the kings favourite Basque gunmaker, and the Basque guns (all modeled after Purdeys) resided in the royal gun cabinets alongside the Purdeys that Alfonso put to such good use. Source: Spanish Best, The Fine Shotguns of Spain, by Terry Wieland, published 2001, Pg. 29.

Pigeon Shooting: Because live pigeon shooting was so very popular in England at the time [1903], King Alfonso XIII of Spain approached Athol Purdey for help in founding a pigeon shooting club in Spain....By introducing live-pigeon shooting into Spain, King Alfonso XIII was setting a path for Spanish gunmaking that continues to this day..Demand for pigeon guns grew, and those who could not emulate the king by ordering Purdeys made up for it by patronizing the Basque gunmakers of Eibar. For their part, the gunmakers responded with enthusiasm, perfecting copies of the Purdey pigeon guns for their own less-well-heeled clientele."

Driven Shooting: At the same time [1904], King Alfonsos enjoyment and devotion to game shooting encouraged the Spaniards to emulate the British, and shooting driven red-legged partridge on vast estates of La Mancha became typically Spanish, just as shooting driven grouse defined the British upper classes.

Source: Spanish Best, The Fine Shotguns of Spain, by Terry Wieland, published 2001, pgs. 19 -29.

Tim

Last edited by Tim Cartmell; 04/04/15 12:14 AM.