doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Auguste Francotte side by side full locking mechan

Aziz,

Here are five of the last six. Neither photoshop nor my email browser could open the large 3.7MB file, not recognizing the format. Afraid the proof marks photos are not sharp.

Regards, Tim

Tim:
I can't see any of the last 5 pics you posted?

I'll be off the grid for a few days - look forward to seeing them when I'm back on.

Bob, the pictures look similar but i think mine has finer engraving.
Mickey how do i tell if its a 140 Series?
Randel I bought if from a friend whos VIP father passed away about 20 years ago, and who had recieved it as a present from Belgium. He never fired it.
If the company folded does that change the Value?
I fired it about 8 times since...Feels so smooth..like nothing ive fired before.. cant explain why.
Barrels engraved Acier Poldi Electro.
184 choke 183 JF
185 choke 183
1Kg 278
circle with (AF)
circle with crown (Lieg)
P.V
Initials in gold on trigger gaurd ISM which are those of the VIP father

I think you need to find a knowledgeable dealer(or someone on this board) who is a Francotte expert to appraise your gun. Going by the pictures it looks like a 140 series shown in the repro catalog I have. I think maybe the engraving will determine if it is a "best" gun in the 140 series, but only a really knowledgeable person can give you a true appraisal(and maybe only if you are willing to pay a fee.) I think it might be worthwhile to get a professional appraisal. Maybe you could negotiate a fee in advance. There is a similar Francotte being offered for sale at $30,000. What your gun might be worth is an open question. If it were mine, I would want to know.

Tangental: I've a mid-range model, 12-gauge 1899 hammerless Francotte boxlock 26-inch barrels with original good-everything including a gold bar on the rib engraved "Made for C.W. Billings." It's light and just the ticket for grouse and ducks over decoys. I wouldn't even speculate on what the engraving and wood would cost now. Imported by VL&G.

How do i contact an expert?
Also can he give an assesment just by seeing the pictures since im not in the US.
Can I be sure his assesment is correct and would potential buyers accept it? Do he produce somekind of certificate?

Thanks

What country are you in, aziz? This is an international board of knowledgeable members who may be able to help.

When it comes to guns, please consider that there are few guarantees or absolutes about anything.

hi king
I live in egypt

Thanks

Aziz,

Last time I was in Cairo, had some time and went off downtown to a very large gunshop that is notable in having a branch in Alexandria. Cannot recall either the name of the shop or that of the owner as it was about ten years ago.

Recognize that you are at risk of sharp practices, espcially where you have a prized good like the Francotte. Malesh. Perhaps there is a gun club in Cairo that might have some sensible members who can advise you. Otherwise, suggest you look at any Francotte guns on gunsamerica.com and on gunbroker.com and, also, invite any members of this board passing through Cairo to have a look!

Regards, Tim

Am I the only one that can't see Tim's 5 pics in post # 70493 from 12/8 above?