Trying to ID an old Astra 12ga shotgun

[BongoBob]

My father has an Astra 12ga side by side shotgun.........engraved silver reciever ........"Imperial" marked on the RHS below the chamber. Serial # 12645.

any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

thanks, Greg

 

[Grouse Man]

Pictures would sure help.

 

[Claybuster]

Astra was better known for its handguns than its shotguns. I don't believe they made very many and they aren't particularly common. It might have had something to do with the fact they were were located in Guernica and the center of shotgun making is in Eibar, a few miles down the road. After teetering on the brink for years Astra finally went out of business in the 90's.

Here's a link to some info on Spanish gun markings.

http://personales.jet.es/rafa/b_punzones.html