Rick,
As Larry has implied most vintage Francottes are seen with 5 digit serial numbers. However, Abercrombie & Fitch, which was the primary importer of Francottes, did import guns with 4 digit numbers during the mid-thirties. Unfortunately, the number you listed doess not appear in their sales records. Most of the 4 digit numbers were on a model described as a 1923-H, however, those were all 410's. There were a few imported for the John Wanamaker store in Philadelphia that also had 4 digit numbers. Perhaps others were imported for the Kettridge store in Cincinnati. The best thing that you could do is to post photographs of the proof marks on the barrel flats and the action table. BTW, the Kettridge store was in operation as far back as the Civil War but I don't know when they went out of existence. Knowing that might help you the determine the age of your Francotte. You might check out the Cincinnati Gun Club angle as well.
Last edited by Bob Beach; 03/26/08 09:58 AM.
