GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
VERY FINE ''60''S VINTAGE 20 BORE FRANCOTTE EAGLE GRADE SINGLE TRIGGER GAME GUN ENGRAVED BY J. BAERTEN WITH CASE.FRANCOTTESXS EAGLE133220 GAMODERN; IVORYCal. 20 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 26" Chopper lump bbls with slightly raised, matted rib are engraved "A. Francotte Maker & Patentee" and "Abercrombie & Fitch" "Made in Belgium" on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with 1963 Belgian nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers. Bottoms of bbls are engraved with steel type and marked with SN, and choke information. Case hardened, side-plated boxlock action features automatic safety (S inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, side clips, and single non-selective trigger. Action is engraved with near full coverage of exceptionally well cut shaded scroll. An heraldic eagle is inlaid in gold on bottom. Fences are beautifully carved in acanthus motifs. Side plates are also scroll engraved with this fine scroll surrounding vignettes of game birds which are finely rendered in Bulino technique; ducks and snipe on left plate, and pheasants and grouse on right. Makers name and address is at the bottom of each plate with engravers signature, J. Baerten (noted engraver for Browning/ FN), at rear of left plate. Blued trigger guard has exceptional rendition of a crane swallowing a frog on bow. SN is at grip. Nicely marbled and lightly figured European walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2" over brown leather covered pad. Point pattern checkering is at grip, drop points are behind lockplates, and a vacant gold oval is on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left - .623, right -.623. Bore restrictions: left -.014 (mod), right -.007 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.028, right -.027. Drop at heel: 2-1/2", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Weight: 5 lbs. 14 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". High quality leather VC case with stitched leather corners, is lined in burgundy cloth, and has V.L.& D leather label in lid. Case contains a VL&D marked square oil bottle. CONDITION: Excellent, near new, with only a few minor marks in all of its fine factory finishes. Bores are excellent. Mechanically crisp. Case has a few light marks, and some deeper scratches in its exterior leather. Interior cloth is fine with some rubs and light soiling from contact with gun. A lovely high quality Belgian lightweight shotgun. Mid bead is "certifiable pre-ban ivory" and front bead is synthetic. 49708-27 MGM20 (8,000-12,000)