doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Differences in Francotte sidelocks?

Are there significant differences in build or operation of Francotte sidelocks? I don't mean engraving. Are there 5 pin vs 7 pin actions for example. There is a wide range in values of these sidelocks and I am wondering why...

I have a copy of the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog from 1936. I expect they might have sold as many francottes as any American dealer. Yet interestingly enough, the catalog includes descriptions of only 6 models. And the black and white photos aren't very good. And as many here know, Francotte almost certainly made more side-plated doubles than it did guns with true side locks. Only one of them by the description provided sounds like it MIGHT be a sidelock. But I wouldn't bet on it.

Post pics ...

OWD

This is my 20ga. Francotte "Deluxe Grade" which was received in inventory at Abercrombie and Fitch on October 1, 1930. I was lucky enough to have Bob Beach do a full history of the gun for me, including copies of the A&F inventory book. It was sold to the original owner in 1930 who then sold it back to ANF in 1936, when it was listed as a secondhand gun, grade 140E.

It is a "seven pin Holland & Holland-style side lock action with double under bolts, side clips, and a concealed Greener crossbolt through a parallel sided rib extension."

The engraving is signed "H. Corombolle." Hippolyte Corombolle was a top engraver of the time.

Restoration was done by Steve Bertram, I believe he said the lockwork was among the nicest he'd seen. The previous owner neglected the gun, hence the pitting, but Steve did a spectacular job making the gun right.

I have one I picked up a few years ago, the serial # dates it to the mid 1930s. It is a12 g, seven pin with a Purdy style 3rd bite and H&H style self opener. It is not marked as imported by A&F so it has been difficult to find much information but is a real joy to shoot. The locks look almost identical to the photos shown above but are signed by the maker.