AYA Number 1

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frodo

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I have a chance to buy a AYA Number 1 in 12 Guage with Barrels Modified and Game Bore. It is in fine condition and was purchased in Spain 25 years ago-any idea on rough range of value?
 
A reasonable price for a fine used AYA #1 is in the neighbourhood of $4000- $5000. if i remember correctly they cost something like $8000 new. If it is an AYA #1 DeLuxe, they are worth considerably more. ( better engraving, fitted leather case, more case candy, etc.) There are many many more AYA #2's on the market, and the standard #1 is nearly double the price of a #2, so that should give you some guidance.
Make sure it fits you! If it does, you will be very happy.
 
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I may be wrong about this, but I have the sense that the value of a gun made in Spain has something to do with when the gun was made. You might look into the question of whether the guns made by AyA 25 years ago are as well-regarded as the AyA's made today. Again, this is just a question on my part, one that I would want to get an answer to before making a purchase.
 
redge said:
I may be wrong about this, but I have the sense that the value of a gun made in Spain has something to do with when the gun was made. You might look into the question of whether the guns made by AyA 25 years ago are as well-regarded as the AyA's made today. Again, this is just a question on my part, one that I would want to get an answer to before making a purchase.
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1940's-50's - Spain made some cheap shotguns. They were under a trade embargo and steel was difficult for them to produce until the embargo was lifted.

But an AYA #1? This was never a cheap gun - its a "Spanish Best".
 
Just because the owner says it's a #1 doesn't mean it is the same as a current production #1. While the #1 is the best gun AyA makes today I've seen older guns described as #1 that weren't as desirable as current production.

With any Spanish gun buy the gun that is put in front of you not based on current values for the same "model. There is a great range in the degree of workmanship in these guns over time. I've seen older #1 that were not as nice as current production #2.

Pictures would help as would configuration. Double triggers are good, be cautious with single triggers and if it's a single selectable trigger walk away. A straight gripped, splinter forend gun with nice wood also increases value. 28" barrels are more desirable than 24" etc.
 
Gentlemen-this is a great help. I will see the gun on Monday when I am on a trip 1000 miles from my home so it will be fish or cut bait time. Any more help before then is greatly appreciated. I am looking for a straight stocked' DT, 28 inch, with as much eye candy as possible of course. I will be using it every fall to hunthigh plains pheasants, huns, and sharpies in Montana after my outfitting season is over. Thanks again.
 
Here is his description- the gun is an A.Y,A. # 1 12guage side by side, 2 3/4 inch chambers, Silvered action engraved with game scenes, double triggers. Rt. barrell Mod / choke. Left. imp/cyl Checkered fore-end and grip. It has been taken care of by a gunsmith friend , and the blueing and walnut wood is in excelent. shape. It fits me and I am about the same build as you It has never been used with steel shot, and I bought it from the A.Y.A factory on a visit to Spain in 1986. I have had a lot of fun with it and it deserves a home where it will be used
 
frodo said:
$2000
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One of three things is going on here, assuming that this is an arms-length transaction rather than a purchase from a friend. The vendor doesn't know what the gun is worth; he got his use from it, doesn't want the hassle of marketing it and wants to sell it for a price that doesn't sound far off from what he may have paid for it; or there is something wrong with the gun.

This is in the "sounds too good to be true" category. Usually, although not always, the adage applies.
 
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The present production No.1 Has detachable Sidelocks, To assure yourself it is a No1 take the sidelocks off and confrim they are gold plated.

If the gun is a box lock then it is not at all like the present No.1. The value of the 25 year old box lock is low adn $2,000 is Top Dollar for the box lock No.! AYA has made several No.1's over the years and there are so few in Cnanda the gun dealers are even confused by the grades. If you like the gun and it FITS the buy the gun for what you think is good price. Then use it. If you want to buy it and flip it the price has to be a "steal", $2,000 is not a "steal"
 
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