Victor Sarasqueta

Founded in 1883 in Eibar, Basque Country, Spain. In 1902 received Royal Warrant as purveyor of guns to King of Spain. Grulla has genuine royal connections, firm can trace origins in direct line to gunmaker Victor Sarasqueta whom King Alfonso XIII patronized starting in 1902. Mostly produced originally-designed quality side-by-side shotguns and double rifles based on British designs. After being reorganised as Victor Sarasqueta Rifles y Escopetas Especiales, S.A., business became part of DiArm Group in mid 1980s, company did not survive that decade. According to Terry Wieland in Spanish Best, half-dozen master craftsmen left Victor Sarasqueta SA to strike out on own, formed Union Armera in early 1930s. Due to resurgence AYA overtook Sarasqueta as largest shotgun manufacturer in Spain during 1950s.