Looking for a nice, little grouse gun? Then get on this SxS Francotte. It’s coming up at Amoskeag Auction Company, in Manchester, NH, tomorrow, 6/3.
Francotte is one of the world’s most famous gunmakers. In the 100+ years they made SxS shotguns, they turned out many fine doubles. Even low-grade Francottes were well made. Most exhibit higher quality than Parkers, Foxes or L.C. Smiths. And I bet it will sell for less than a comparable Trojan, Sterlingworth or Field grade.
Lot 766: 20 gauge Auguste Francotte Utility Grade Boxlock Double Ejectorgun: Serial #23997, 20 ga., 26″ Siemens Martin steel barrels choked a light and a tight improved cylinder, with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain about 98% original blue, the loss due primarily to some light fading at muzzles and breech with sparsely scattered minor handling marks here or there. The boxlock frame is lightly embellished in a loose open scroll with some floral embellishment and a geometric bordering, it retains perhaps 60% original color case-hardening, muting and toning on the front and sides of frame at the natural carry point. The triggerguard retains most of its original blue and there are some remnants of color on the color case-hardened triggers. The checkered round knob European walnut buttstock and splinter style forend rate about excellent, the buttstock with only a few minor handling marks from the years and a bit of added finish, the forend showing a bit more wear. The length of pull to the checkered horn buttplate is 14 1/4″ with drops of 1 1/2″ and 2 1/2″. The gun locks up tightly and seems to function well mechanically with excellent ejectors. A solid quality-built shotgun awaiting the October woods, manufactured in 1962.
