Unusual Checkering

[Bob beach]

Dean,

This particular treatment is an exact copy of the side panels on many Francotte boxlock shotguns imported by Von Lengerke & Detmold prior to 1910. It was known as a "scalloped and checkered sidelock-shaped side panel". Here is a photo of an image from an original salesman's display card of the period which I have annotated for current owners requesting information or indentification of models.



Bob Beach
Griffin & Howe, Inc

[Bob beach]

Dean,

Just on the chance that the customer who would copy a beautiful VL&D Francotte may have actually ordered it there, I checked the serial number against the G&H database. Unfortunately, it was not ordered at VL&D but it was sold as a consigned gun at Abercrombie & Fitch in 1935.



The above is a partial photo of the inventory book entry. Reading left to right, it idicates that the gun was received on May 28, 1935, 20 gauge, 26 inch bbls, weight of 5 lbs, 14 oz, ejector gun, choked IC - Mod, D@H - 2 7/8, D@C - 1 7/16, LOP - 14 5/8, 1/2 pistol grip, model AAHE.

Bob Beach
Griffin & Howe, Inc

[Opening Day]

Bob, you are better man then me if you can read that.....