GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
HIGHEST GRADE SPECIAL ORDER 20 GAUGE FRANCOTTE SIDELOCK EJECTOR SINGLE TRIGGER GAME GUN WITH CASE. FRANCOTTE SXS SIDELOCK 90963 20 GA MODERN (1969) Cal. 20 ga. 3" Chambers. 26" Chopper lump bbls mounted with slightly raised, matted, concave rib, are engraved "A. Francotte Maker & Patentee" and "Abercrombie & Fitch" "Made in Belgium" on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with 1969 Belgian nitro proofs for 3" chambers. Bottoms of bbl are engraved "Siemens Martin Steel." and stamped with SN. Bottom of left bbl is stamped ".618", and right ".610". Case hardened sidelock action features automatic safety (S inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and single non-selective trigger. Action is engraved with 80% coverage well cut small scroll mimicking rose and scroll styling, however where rose bouquets would normally be, there are whorls of scroll. There are no makers marks or names engraved or stamped on action or locks. Blued top lever and trigger guard are also scroll engraved, and SN is at grip. Very fine, intricately marbled, and lightly fiddle figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/16" over coarsely flat top checkered wood butt. Stock features classic drop points, very well cut flat top borderless checkering at grip, and a vacant gold oval on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left - .624, right -.624. Bore restrictions: left -.021 (full), right -.010 (mod). Wall thickness: left -.029, right -.028. Drop at heel: 2-3/16", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Weight: 5 lbs. 11 oz. LOP: 14-3/16". High quality Brady type leather VC case with stitched leather corners is lined in burgundy velvet, and has gold embossed black leather Francotte label in lid. Case contains a pair of Orvis marked snap caps, square oil bottle, and 2-pc walnut and brass cleaning rod. PROVENANCE: Email from G&H stating that this Spl Order gun was received in inventory at A&F on 4/27/70, as an "Eagle Grade" which is not correct. The retail price of this gun was $3150.00 while another Eagle grade on the same page was priced at $1875.00." The retail price of this fine gun is nearly equal to a new Boss or Purdey of the day. Additionally, a handwritten note from the consignor''s family stating this gun was special ordered from Francotte to match Boss .410 (sn 9374), which was sent to Belgium to serve as the model. The Boss .410 was sold by Julia''s in the October 2015 auction for $103,500 on behalf of the same consignor, and is indeed a faithful copy. CONDITION: Excellent, nearly as new, with only a few light scratches and handling marks in wood and metal, shows very little evidence of firing. Mechanically crisp. Case leather is excellent, with a few scuffs and marks. Straps and handle are very fine. Interior cloth is very fine with some compressions and some glue showing after installation of new label. 49961-1 MGM83 (10,000-15,000)