doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Need Information on Francotte

I just received this Francotte Sidelock and was wondering if there are any Francotte experts out there that could tell me a little about it. I believe it is a 1920 gun and all numbers match. There is no importer stamped on the gun anywhere. Marked as a Francotte on the barrel, Liege Belgium. Give me an idea what it might be worth and any other info you might have. Thanks for the help.

http://doublegunshop.com/dgsnos2.htm
serial # is consistent w/ 1920

Need a bit more info - is it a 12 ga? Barrel length? Any pics of barrel flats, marks on barrels, open action? What's it weigh?

It is a 16GA with 28" barrels choked IC and Mod. Straight grip, splinter. I'll take some pictures of the barrel flats and post them. Thanks

Gerry:
Any good double gun, including this stunning Francotte, is worth exactly what you're willing to pay for it. Thus, I'm sure you feel satisfied.

If it were mine, I wouldn't consider any less than $3,500 for it.

As for provenance, I'd check the number with Griffin & Howe. The results may surprise you.

Best, Kensal

This Francotte is not the one described in the Von Lengerke & Detmold records for that serial number. This one appears to have been the one sold at the Christie's auction in London in December 1999. Here is their description.

"Lot Description
A FINE 16-BORE (2IN) SIDELOCK EJECTOR GUN BY AUGUSTE FRANCOTTE, NO. 80412
The treble-grip action-body with concealed third-bite, articulated front trigger, best bouquet and scroll engraving, bright cyanide-hardened finish overall, finely-figured stock, the barrels with matt game-rib

Saleroom Notice
This Lot has a manual safety"

I'll check this morning to see if we have the catalog from that auction which would include a photograph.

This Francotte appears to be a quality gun but it does not have the patina or characteristics of a 1920 Francotte. A photo of the proof marks showing the Belgian date code letter will help to determine its age.

Gerry,

You can check the Belgian proof marks here:
http://damascus-barrels.com/Belgian_All_Proofmarks.html

Would love to see more pictures of this one.

Pete

Stunning! And I've never seen a Francotte that wasn't, even the old A&F Knockabout. Chops

Bob, I think you have found the gun!!!! Thank you so much. I would love to see a copy of the catalogue and any other information you can give me.