GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
HIGH ORIGINAL CONDITION 20 GAUGE FRANCOTTE GRADE "25" LIGHT GAME SHOTGUN WITH CASE AND ACCESSORIES.FRANCOTTESXS GRADE 258688120W/CASEMODERN; C&RCal. 20 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 28" Dovetailed bbls fitted with slightly raised, narrow, matted game rib are engraved "Von Lengerke & Detmold" "U. S. Agents New-York" on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with Belgian nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers, steel type, and "FRANCOTTE CHOKE BORE". Bore and choke information is stamped on bottoms of bbls. Small sized case hardened sideplated boxlock action features automatic safety (S inlaid in gold), crossbolt third fastener, side clips, and dbl triggers. Action and lockplates are engraved with very attractive and well cut large open flowing scroll with small scroll infill within some small scroll and feather borders. Fences are engraved in semi-relief large scroll with acorn and oak leaf highlights. "A. Francotte Maker & Patentee Liege Belgium" is on each sideplate. Blued trigger guard has matching scroll on bow, and SN on tang. Lightly marbled European walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 13-7/8" over old leather faced Silver pad. Standard point pattern checkering is at grip, and a gold oval on toe line is engraved "E. S. S". Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.626, right - .627. Bore restrictions: left - .021 (mod), right - .012 (lt mod). Wall thickness: left - .029, right - .029. Drop at heel: 2", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Neutral cast. Weight: 5 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 13-7/8". A & F marked tan leather case with brass corners is embossed "E. S. S." on top, and is lined in burgundy cloth. Case contains 3-pc rosewood and brass cleaning rod marked "Made in England", along with a turks head, some cleaning patches, and tow. Snap caps and square oil bottle are marked "Abercrombie & Fitch". CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, as found. Bbls retain over 95% of their wonderful lustrous orig blue with some scattered light marks and flecking. Action retains 80 - 90% orig case hardening color, silvered on high edges, and thinning a bit on bottom. Sideplates retain essentially all of their orig color. Top lever and trigger guard are slightly silvered on sharp edges. Trigger blades retain essentially all of their orig case hardening color. Stocks retain most of their orig rubbed oil finish with open grain. Pad, although probably not orig, was probably installed at time of orig sale, and is presently a bit petrified and deteriorated. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is still light in color with only a few minor scuffs and soiling. Straps and handle are very fine to excellent. Interior cloth is fine with some rubs and light soiling. Accessories are good. An exceptional little Francotte. 52251-1 MGM39 (5,000-8,000)