Mr. Beach had access to original VL&D records after 1924 and was offering documentation on Griffin & Howe letterhead with corporate seal for $75. The letter I received last March documenting my Francotte 20ga. ser. No. 82XXX was very specific.
Unfortunately, the letter did not describe my gun, but rather a lower grade Francotte with different specifications even though the serial number was noted as being the same. Consequently, the accuracy of the records was called into question and Mr. Beach graciously provided an immediate refund and apology for the mix up.
Perhaps it's to be expected that hand written records from the 1920's may contain inaccuracies if the log in process was a little lax. Sorry, I don't know the current status of this service.
