^Lot 2377 FRANCOTTE MARKED HIGH QUALITY BELGIAN SLE HEAVY

GAME GUN WITH CASE. Cal. 12 Ga. 2-3/4". S# 1825. The 28-1/4" dovetailed barrels are engraved "Auguste Francotte Leige" on slightly raised matted rib. This engraving was definitely done well after this gun was made. Barrel flats are stamped with pre-1920 Belgian nitro proofs for 2-1/2" chambers. Later French nitro proofs and "AF" stamps are also present. Case hardened side lock action is stocked to the fences and features automatic safety, hidden third fastener, bushed strikers and double triggers (front articulated). Action is engraved with very small simple scroll surrounding rose bouquets over nearly all of its surface. No maker's name is present. Steel trigger guard and top lever are engraved to match. Well marbled and nicely fiddle figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/4" over black leather covered pad. Point pattern checkering is at grip. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .724. R .727. Restriction: L .017 (Mod). R .010 (IC). Wall thickness: L .028. R .029. STOCK: DAH: 2-1/4". DAC: 1-1/2". CAST: about 5/8" off. LOP: 14-3/4". WEIGHT: 6 lb. 15 oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: gun is housed in leather case with brass corners; lined in burgundy cloth. A black leather gilt label in lid is printed "MAISON FAURE LE PAGE". CONDITION: very fine as partially refinished. Barrels retaining nearly all of an old re-black with newer French proofs and maker's name. Action and lockplates retain about 70% case hardening color. Stocks are lightly refinished. Checkering re-cut. Pad is new. Bores are bright and shiny. Action is tight. Ejectors are slightly out of time. Case leather is good and has added brass accents. Interior is good but shows insect damage. PROVENANCE: From the Private Collection of Berrien Moore III. (25-6017/MGM). CURIO. $2,500-5,500.