It's not unusual for "makers" to have various parts--sometimes entire guns--made for them "in the trade" and then put their names on the gun. But it seems to me that if a gun says Laurona, then the proof certificate would also say Laurona.
The only Laurona I ever owned (briefly) was an OU. It had the "twin single" trigger arrangement, like early Browning Superposeds. I don't believe AyA ever built any OU's with twin single triggers, which would seem to make a direct relationship between AyA and Laurona--as in AyA making their guns for them--unlikely.
On the other hand, I also owned a gun marked AyA-Sauer: A high grade AyA boxlock with all the features of your standard German gun. (Sideclips, cocking indicators, sling swivels, cheekpiece.) But in that case, both names were on the gun.
Also, look at the maker's stamp (AyA spelled out) in Utah's photos. Then compare to the maker's stamp (only a bit more than the right hand half visible) on the Laurona proof certificates. If they had AyA makers' stamps, you'd be able to read at least part of "Aranzabal" on the Laurona proof certificate photos.
Last edited by L. Brown; 06/29/15 09:04 AM.
