The VL&D catalogs from 1896 and 1900 listed a model called a "Featherweight" in two grades - a grade I (later called the 'Ideal' grade) and a grade II. These were non-ejector guns.The name "Featherweight" also appears as a model in the VL&D records.
But there were also a range of Francottes ejector guns produced at the same time and appearing in the same catalogs called "Featherweight Ejector" models, named so as to distinginguish them from the models called "Pigeon Weight" which were meant for Trap and Live Bird shooting. The Featherweight Ejector models were the AA, BB, CC, and DD. Except for the Knockabout, none of the Francotte guns were marked as to the model until "The High Gun" appeared much later (I suppose that you could say that the Eagle Grade 45 was 'marked'). That is why so many people trying to sell Francottes on the internet have them mis-named as regards the model. The model 10, 14, 20, 25, 30, and 45 didn't appear until 1910 when a major change in model nomenclature occured. None of the pre-1910 models appear in the Blue Book or any other gun value or identification book that I'm aware of. That is why you never see a Francotte "Hammerless No.3A" offered for sale, for example. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of the pre-1910 guns out there.
Compliments of Griffin & Howe.
