GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED PAIR OF AUGUSTE FRANCOTTE .410 SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUNS WITH CASE.FRANCOTTESXS SIDELOCK1044/1045410MODERNCal. .410. 3" Chambers. 28" Chopper lump bbls with narrow game ribs gold inlaid "1" and "2" (also gold inlaid on top levers and forend tips) on rear portions are engraved "Aug. Francotte a Liege" on tops of left bbls. There are 3/4" sprays of large scroll at breech ends. Bbl flats are stamped with 2010 London nitro proofs for 3" chambers, along with what appears to be Belgian proofs and AF logos. Bottoms of right bbls are engraved with SNs, and splinters are engraved with importers name and address (BSA Millbrook, N.Y.). Diminutive, case hardened, sidelock actions are fitted with non-automatic safeties (S inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Actions are engraved with full coverage large, open, shaded acanthus scroll surrounding well done portrait of squirrel on branch gnawing on pine cone, under makers name, on the bottom of each action. Lockplates have matching scroll at front portions, rear portions are engraved with game scenes; coveys of quail flushing from fence row on left side of gun "1", and from open woodlands on gun no. "2". Right locks depict scenes reminiscent of "WATERSHIP DOWN" with three rabbits running through woodlands on gun "1", and with two rabbits, one surveying the distance from hillside, while another crouches behind a big tree, on gun "2". Case hardened trigger guards are engraved with matching relief acanthus and have SNs gold inlaid at grips. Master engravers signature "J. M. Smetts" is on trigger plates. Exceptionally well matched, strikingly marbled, and nicely fiddle figured European walnut straight grip buttstocks measure 15-1/2" over checkered wood butts. Fluted drop points are behind lockplates, and well cut point pattern checkering with line borders is at grips. Matching splinter ejector forends have Anson releases. Gun no. "1": Bore diameter at muzzles: left -.385, right -.386. Drop at heel: 2-1/2", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Weight: 5 lbs 7 oz. LOP: 15-1/2". Gun no. "2": Bore diameter at muzzles: left -.389, right -.388. Drop at heel: 2-7/16", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Weight: 5 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 15-1/2". High quality leather case with stitched leather corners has brown canvas outer cover with stitched tan leather trim. Case is lined in burgundy cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Francotte label in lid. Case contains 2-pc walnut and brass cleaning rod with brush and jag, two pairs of snap caps, and a square oil bottle. PROVENANCE: Factory certificates numbered to these guns. Consignor states: "These guns are the last to be made by Auguste Francotte of Liege, and it is doubtful that they will ever be replicated." CONDITION: Essentially as new, with only scant evidence of having been fired since proof, and a few light handling marks on wood and metal. Mechanically crisp. Case leather is excellent as protected by its outer cover, which has some light marks. Interior cloth shows some very light compressions. Accessories are excellent. 49574-1 MGM351 (45,000-65,000)