GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
FINE PRE WAR FRANCOTTE DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE. FRANCOTTE SXS DBL RIFLE 86984 500/ 465 NE MODERN; C&R (1930) Cal. 500/ 465 Nitro Express. 26" Dovetailed bbls are fitted with file cut quarter rib holding one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight with gold lines. Leaves are matted and marked for 100, 200, and 300 yards. Matching front ramp has white porcelain bead and slip-on sight protector. Tops of bbls are engraved "Von Lengerke & Detmold" and "U.S. Agents New - York". Bbl flats are stamped with 1930 Belgian nitro proofs and with AF crowned logos (Francotte). Bottoms of bbls are stamped with caliber information, and right bbl with SN. Case hardened boxlock action has top tang which extends over comb in H&H fashion, and features non-automatic safety, hidden crossbolt third fastener, bushed strikers, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with approx 70% coverage varying sized scroll and with "A. Francotte Maker & Patentee" and "Liege Belgium" on each side. Blued trigger guard has matching scroll on bow and SN on tang which extends to steel trap grip cap, which contains a pair of strikers and spare front sight. Well streaked, lightly marbled and somewhat burl figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2" over leather faced Silver type pad, and features right hand shadow line cheekpiece, drop points to side panels, and point pattern checkering with line borders. Matching splinter forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/8", drop at comb: approx 1-9/16". Cast: approx 1/8 off. Weight: 10 lbs. 10 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a sympathetic re-black, very little polishing appears to have been done, lettering and matting remain sharp and clear. Action retains approx 80 - 85% orig muted case hardening color. What appears to be orig blue of top lever, is silvered on thumbpiece. Trigger guard retains nearly all of a sympathetic re-blue. Stocks retain nearly all of a fine hand rubbed oil finish over some light marks, with one or two faint subsequent marks, checkering slightly worn, and with borders somewhat filled with oil. Checkering does not appear to have been re-cut. Bores are excellent with one or two very minor pits and a hint of frosting toward breech ends. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. A great handling "golden age" big bore double in a great caliber. 50655-11 MGM148 (15,000-20,000)