Krieghoff International used the occasion of the Vintage Cup World Side-by-Side Championship and Exhibition in September 2003, at Orvis Sandanona in New York, to show a brand-new side-by-side shotgun

Krieghoff, in partnership with German master gunsmith Jens Ziegenhahn, proudly offers a hand-built shotgun of the highest quality, worthy of the name Krieghoff. Available in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge, the gun is missing the ornate ‘Continental’ look one might expect from a fourth-generation German gunmaker; instead, its elegant lines more closely resemble traditional British ‘best’ sidelock guns. One hundred percent German-made, the gun was developed to explore opportunities in the upper price segment for a Krieghoff game gun—a significant step for a company that has been a world leader in competition shotguns.

Photo courtesy of Gold Medal Concours / Steve Helsley

The response at 2003 The Vintage Cup, which attracts mainly people interested in side-by-sides, was overwhelmingly favorable. In the Gold Medal Concours d‘Elegance, concurrent with The Vintage Cup, the new shotgun was awarded a Silver Award in the category of New European Sidelock Guns and The Shooting Sportsman Magazine Award for “a contemporary custom-fitted game gun that best typifies the ideal for upland hunting”. As a result of this very positive showing, Krieghoff launched the Essencia program and deliveries began in the fall of 2004. A small, exclusive group of Authorized Krieghoff Dealers have signed on to the program and carry guns in stock or have secured production slots. The Essencia will be sold mainly through these dealers who will be glad to discuss your specific needs and accept your order.

	The Krieghoff Essencia Side-by-Side Sidelock Shotgun’s main attributes are very elegant lines combined with excellent handling and balance. The round body, clean lines and sleek, back-action sidelock contours stand out immediately.

The current retail price for the gun in 20, 28 or 16 gauge with standard specifications is $29,895.00. The optional single trigger is $1,450.00 extra. Extra barrel sets to fit the 20 gauge frame retail for $10,450.00 in 16 or $10,950.00 in 28 gauge, and $8,450.00 for a second 20-gauge barrel set on a 20 gauge gun. Typical delivery times are 12 months from receipt of order. However, most of the Essencia Dealers have standing gun orders and have guns coming on a regular basis.

12-gauge guns can now be ordered also and are priced the same as the smaller gauge Essencias.

Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.