A time when the forend iron never had wood

[Bob Brown]

I'll guess Henri Pieper as the maker. Right country and around the right time. They made a lot of cheap shotguns for export, but were capable of some interesting firearms.

[TARNATION !!!]

Here is the case it came in. No accessories were with it. 37 bar tail feather from this season's biggest rooster. Whatever chemical was stored in it ate away some of the cloth material. The lid is cracked but I suppose someone somewhere is skilled in restoring such a case. It won't be me. I'll enjoy the "patina" until the next custodian comes along.

[Bob Brown]

Very nice, Jack.

[TARNATION !!!]

Thanks Bob. Nice to see you pop up here. If a strong northwest wind blows you into SK, I'll share my scotch or whatever your pleasure might be. That's not to say you won, just that I will share my scotch with anyone who survives making it here.

SN is 4612. Does not appear in the Griffin and Howe data for imports by A&F or VL&D. As I understand it, both companies had their initials stamped into the barrels to indicate it was imported by them. So, this one, failing incorrect info, was built and sold into the European market. The Auguste Francotte stamp is in each barrel along with proof marks, inspector stamps and a few numbers that so far have no meaning for me. I'll measure up the BWT one day before next season and may take at least one rooster before retiring it for another hundred years. Very ingenious double hinge arrangement to open and then remove the barrels. Upon close inspection, a piece of the comb has been replaced but nicely done.

Ed, is this the insect you had in mind?

[Dennis]

I am not sure what the actual question is, "Who knows this gun." I do believe it is made in Belgium and possibly by Pieper. That is the best I can do.

[TARNATION !!!]

Okay, the answer is Francotte, built by Auguste Francotte Company of Liege Belgium. I have yet to confidently determine date of manufacture. If I read postings correctly on DGJ the SN indicates Bottom Grade (others are Medium and High) with a date of manufacture 1927/28. The company itself dates to 1805. If others can further enlighten, I'm all ears. Cheers, Jack

[TARNATION !!!]

Okay, the answer is Francotte, built by Auguste Francotte Company of Liege Belgium. I have yet to confidently determine date of manufacture. If I read postings correctly on DGShop the SN indicates Bottom Grade (others are Medium and High) with a date of manufacture 1931. The company itself dates to 1805. If others can further enlighten, I'm all ears. Cheers, Jack

http://doublegunshop.com/fran1.htm
http://www.doublegunshop.com/dgsnos2.htm

[Hammer Gun]

A Mortimer?

[Bill Murphy]

I think your gun is much earlier than you say, on one of the other two charts before the beginning dates on the charts.

[Dean Romig]

It would surprise me if the gun was made post-1890 or so.