Auguste Francotte Feathweight Boxlock 12 GA 28″ IM/M Double Barrel

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Sold for $3740.16

Make: Auguste Francotte

Model: Featherwieght, Boxlock

Serial Number: 89064

Year of Manufacture: 1928

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells

Action Type: Break-Open Boxlock Side by Side Shotgun with Ejectors

Markings: The left side of the frame is marked with a banner that reads “A. FRANCOTTE” and the right side has a banner that reads “LIEGE”. The top of the left barrel is marked “BREVETE A LIEGE” and the top of the right barrel is marked “AUGUSTE FRANCOTTE”. The bottom of the right barrel is marked “89064 / SIEMENS MARTIN STEEL” and the bottom of both barrels are marked with numerous proofs. Both barrel flats are marked “SIEMENS MARTIN STEEL”, “2 3/4”, “FRANCOTTE CHOKEBORE”, and have a host of Belgian proofs. The bottom tang is marked “89604”. The forend iron is marked “89604”. The receiver, forend iron and trigger guard have hand engraving.

Barrel Length: Nominal 28”, 27 1/2″ (70cm) Measured

Choke: Left: Improved Modified, Right: Modified, Both Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib. The rib is serrated for glare reduction.

Weight: 6 lb., 1 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with Anson release splinter forend, straight grip, straight comb and brown rubber Pachmayr recoil pad. There is a thin hairline crack on the top of the wrist at the rear of the tang. There are some little compressions. There are some light hairline scratches, most noticeable on the right side of the buttstock. There are some scuffs and areas of thinning, most noticeable on the belly. The checkering is mostly strong. The LOP measures 14 5/8″ and 13 5/8? from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the recoil pad, 13 5/8? and 12 5/8? to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and has hardened slightly with age. The drop at comb is approximately 1 1/4″ and the drop at heel is approximately 2 1/4″. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is finish loss on the edge of the muzzle. There are a few little nicks and little dings through the finish. There are a few little spots of finish loss on the barrel set. There are some scattered light hanlding marks. There is standard operational wear. There is some thinning on the bottom tang. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly including ejectors. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Auguste Francotte is one of the oldest makers (est. 1805) of fine double guns and pre-dates Purdey and Holland & Holland though their guns are on the same level. Francotte guns are owned by most of the world’s industrial leaders, chiefs of state, and the crowned heads of Europe and Asia. Many of their guns do not have model designations as they are one of one bespoke pieces of art completed for a specific customer. This one is beautiful and has fine walnut stocks paired with a lustrous blued barrel set, and a rich case-colored receiver with truly beautiful hand-engraving by Capece. It has been kept in exceptional condition by a previous owner and it is hard to believe it was made 94 years ago. This will make a nice addition to a collection, but could still make for a great bird gun for the next 100 years. Please see our photos and good luck!