^Lot 2154 AUGUSTE FRANCOTTE MARTINI CADET SINGLE SHOT

BREECHLOADING RIFLE. Cal. 297/230 Long. S# 8619. Bbl. 27 9/16". Martini Cadet single shot breechloading rifle mfg. by Auguste Francotte. Left side of the receiver is marked stamped with Francotte's Crown/AF proof above the S# "8619", otherwise the rifle is devoid of any identifying markings. Metal components exhibit a blue finish overall, save for on the breechblock, which is polished in-the-white. Near full length 2-band fastened plain wood forearm and straight grip stock with flat steel buttplate. Fixed blade front sight and V-notch ladder rear sight, graduated "3-5" on the ladder and "50", "100", and "200" on the right side of the base. Cleaning rod is absent. CONDITION: metal components retain large amounts of their original blue finish, showing areas of wear and thinning that are fading to gray and brown patina, some superficial handling marks, as well as scattered spots of light surface oxidation and pitting overall. Breechblock exhibits scattered spots of light pitting and spots of age related discoloration. Relatively bright bore, exhibiting consistent light to mild pitting, while retaining good rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Wood furniture shows numerous scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise remains sound. PROVENANCE: From the Buckstix Collection. (25-6516/MLW). CURIO. $500-800.