GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
SUPERB GRIFNEE ENGRAVED FRANCOTTE DELUXE EXPRESS SIDELOCK EJECTOR SELF-OPENING DOUBLE RIFLE WITH SCOPE AND CASE.FRANCOTTESXS DBL RIFLE DLX EXPRESS914149.3X74RMODERNCal. 9.3 x 74R. 23-1/4" Chopper lump bbls are fitted with matted quarter rib holding one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight, with inlaid gold lines, along with claw type scope bases. Matching ramp front, fitted with Westley Richards type folding sight protector, holds silver bead with porcelain flip-up "moon" bead. Tops of bbls are engraved "Aug. Francotte a Liege" and "Made in Belgium". Calibers are engraved around breech ends. Bbl flats and bottoms of bbls are stamped with 1978 (?) Belgian nitro proofs, and with calibers. Bbls are fitted with H&H type self-opening assist spring. Coin finished action with extended top strap in H&H fashion, features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, hidden third fastener, side clips, reinforced frame, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front articulated and with checkered finger blade). Action is engraved with near full coverage truly exceptional relief open shaded scroll with floral highlights at hinge pin covers, all within geometric borders. This dramatic scroll surrounds fine Bulino portrait of large bull elephant on bottom of action over "Aug Francotte" in arched device. Lockplates are engraved with interesting scenes, which extend to borders and spill onto action; with a lion and lioness running across savanna on left lockplate, and a pair of cape buffalo thundering into mopani trees on right. This exceptional engraving is by the late, great, Philippe Grifnee whose signature appears on trigger plate. Trigger guard with matching scroll has SN on tang, which extends to engraved steel grip cap with trap. Finely marbled and figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 15" over checkered wood butt, with basket weave engraved steel heel and toe plates. Stock features typical drop points and point pattern checkering at grip. A gold oval on toe line is engraved "H D P". Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. A fine Zeiss Diavari - Z 1.5 - 6 X 42 rail scope with fine duplex 3 post reticle is in claw mounts, rear with windage adjustment. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/2", drop at comb: approx 1-3/4". Cast: approx 1/4" off. Weight without scope: 8 lbs. 3 oz. LOP: 15". High quality oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion is lined in burgundy cloth, and has paper Francotte label in lid. Case contains square oil bottle, boxwood spare striker case, lens cap for scope, pair of snap caps, and two keys. PROVENANCE: Remarkable William Larkin Moore Private Estate Collection of Fine Sporting Arms. CONDITION: Excellent, close to new, with only a few light marks in metal, and a few scratches and pings, some fairly deep, in buttstock. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are out of time. (may need lubrication) Scope is excellent with some light marks on exterior, optically clear. Case leather is excellent with some light marks and scratches. Interior cloth is a bit dusty with some rubs. Partitions have been removed to accommodate scope, which does not quite fit case. A fine handling high quality rifle in a caliber that with your PH's permission, can be used for anything up to and including buffalo. 50594-1 mgm49 (30,000-50,000)