Francotte
 

Anybody know how to find out info on Francotte's. I traded for a Francotte 12 ga w/ 27" barrels (m/f). It has a round knob grip and has a cheekpiece, and also has sling swivels. It is a sidelock-or side plates- with gold arrow cocking indicators. It is a light gun, probably just under 7 lbs. Serial # 34136.
cant seem to upload pictures.

pictures of the Francotte

if it was by chance sold by Abercrombie & Fitch or Von Lengerke & Detmold, Griffin & Howe may have the records. I think they have a web site you can check your SN on to see.

Thanks, I went to the website but there was a gap in the serial numbers in that range, and of course my gun fell into that 150 number gap. Anybody know what model it may be from the pictures?

Harold:
Just in case you have doubts, that Francotte IS a genuine sidelock. And my guess at a lower to mid-level model. Probably an A&F import. This is often stamped on the barrels. It is well worth a modest clean up and continued use with moderate loads.

Best, Kensal

Kensal,
Thanks for the info. I thought it was a true sidelock, but I really have not paid any attention to that gun since I traded for it. Dont know what I'm going to do with it--I rarely shoot 12 ga. , but it is a cool gun. I traded it for an old LC Smith 16 w/ 3-way safety that I also never shot or carried. I remember paying $375 for the Smith when I bought it

The cheekpiece is some indication that it is not a US import. It is not on the G&H list, does not have import markings, so it is probably a gun made for the European trade. The quality of the gun will be determined by examination by an experienced collector. Francotte dates of manufacture are listed on doublegunshop.com "other useful information".

I think it is listed about 1900 or 1901. If you get out to the side by side shoots, gun dealer Steve Cobb is the guy to show it to. He is the most serious Francotte collector I know.

Bill,
Much thanks. I actually do know Steve Cobb, though I rarely ever see him. He rents a cabin in the UP every fall that I also rent. I move in the day he moves out. I may have to give him a call.
Harold