I was told that the earlier guns were spectacular.
When questioning that opinion, I was told that the engravers of the earlier (circa 1930s)were done by master engravers from Liege. Luigi Franchi hired a couple of the master engravers from Liege to work on his highest guns. They did what is known as Bouquet and Scroll. Not Rose and Scroll like the English guns. This was a special Belgian design and was possibly more beautiful.
It was used on only his best work.
I recently looked at one. A round body of really outstanding handling and it was/is a work of art.This was my first experience with this grade of Franchi.
I had to smile when I mounted it. It was a perfect extension of my arms and hands. The weight was exactly between my hands and seemed to weigh nothing.
It was, at that moment, I wished I were younger and had a bit deeper pockets. Other than my beloved Diamond Lindner, this is the finest shotgun I have ever handled.
Best,
John
