Rob, Ken, etc.
As you may know I have been digitally recording and indexing the gun sales records of VL&D and A&F for Griffin & Howe. In doing so I have created a chart showing the evolution of the Francotte models as they appear in the records of Von Lengerke & Detmold. There are three ledgers of VL&D records. The first covers 1901 to 1909, the second covers 1910 to 1921, and the third covers 1922 to 1929 when they officially became part of A&F. I noticed that the names of the models changed, in some cases several times. The chart below shows those changes. I traced the changes by following the model designation of guns that were unsold in the year that they arrived and what the were called in subsequent years. The note below "knockabout" indicates that Francotte began to supply the Knockabout model to VL&D in 1904. Prior to that time the VL&D KnockAbout was a sidelock gun made by J.P. Sauer. In later years A&F Knockabouts would also be made by Greifelt and Zoli Rizzini. G&H does not have any VL&D records prior to 1901. You will notice that the number of models available in 1901 - 1909 was substancially reduced by 1929.
Now as to the models that you may own - if you will supply the serial numbers and, if the Francottes were sold through VL&D or A&F, I will happily supply you with the model designation under which they were inventoried. I will also provide the date placed in inventory which approximates the date of manufacture. If you prefer not to post serial numbers openly you may contact me through Griffin & Howe. There is no charge. Information beyond the above can be gotten through the purchase of a Certificate of Inventory & Disposition. Griffin & Howe is a patron of and advertiser on this indespensible website.
