John I have an AyA number 1 from about the same period; 1969. I understand the Number 1's at that time were engraved and hardened here in England. Mine is a two barrel set Imp/cyl x 1/2 choke and 1/2 choke and full. Unfortunately it has a single trigger. Good buys second hand but devilishly expensive new. True a good used Number 1 is a lot less than a new Number 2. I paid 3,500 and it is in about 90% condition. Arrietas are good but there are many models at different prices. Lagopus.....
I paid about that for mine - only one set barrels, but double trigger and fitted (cast, bend and shorten a bit). I think that very good value, particularly as the new price at present is very steep.
I don't know where the engraving was done, I had always assumed Spain, but I have heard that present 'delux' models are UK finished. My No 1 engraving is good, but not quite in the English best league. The AyA Senior/Premiere (from 1980) I have (which was engraved in Spain) is much better engraving and as good as any English best 'normal rose and scroll' pattern I have seen. But that (when it was made) was MUCH more expensive than a No 1, which I think is why you see so few.
I haven't owned an Arrieta, but have seen some nice examples and have heard good reports. I believe some of the Powell Heritage models were Arrieta based.
