Auguste Francotte Model 1870 .455 Webley SA/DA Revolver, 1870-1880s Antique

SOLD FOR: $1425

LSB#: 210809TS06

Make: Auguste Francotte, Belgium

Model: 1870 Revolver

Serial Number: 502

Year of Manufacture: 1870-1880s, Antique

Caliber: .455 Webley

Action Type: Single/Double Action 6-Shot Revolver

Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “A. FRANCOTTE / A LIEGE / 502”. The right side of the frame is marked “crown / AF”. The bottom of the frame below the retaining pin is marked “350” and “F”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “s” and “5”. The left side of the grip is marked “HC” and “crown / AF”.

Barrel Length: 6.25” Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is pinched beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch at the rear of the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels. There is some light material loss at the top rear of the right panel. There are some light nicks and scratches on the smooth bottom portions. The checkering shows some minor marks and is generally well defined. Overall, the grips rate in about Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dim and the rifling is defined. There is erosion and pitting in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. There is thinning at all leading edges. There are scattered spots of light erosion and minor pitting throughout the frame. The grip straps and trigger guard show a deep, dark patina. There are several nicks, dings, and scratches throughout. The cylinder shows similar imperfections to the rest of the metal. The screw heads are lightly tool-marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is smooth. The cylinder locks up with hardly any play when the trigger is depressed. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Auguste Francotte was one of the foremost revolver manufacturers of Liege during the latter half of the 19th century. One of his lucrative lines appears to been the production of pinfire revolvers on the Lefaucheux pattern; he then made small modifications of his own to produce the ‘Lefaucheux-Francotte’ revolvers, open-frame models, originally pinfire, but later, in various centerfire calibers. This is an example of a Model 1870 revolver in .455 caliber. This revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique and has silky smooth mechanics. This would fit nicely into a Belgian revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!