Francotte 12ga 14E

     Here is a beautiful example of a Von Lengerke and Detmold imported Francotte 12 bore ejector gun with sideclips and gorgeous carved fences. Likely from the 1920's or the 1930's, this gun retains a high level of condition. 7-1/4 pound weight and balance just forward of the hinge make it a joy to handle. Drop at heel approx 1-7/8" at comb 1-1/2" and 14" pull from non-articulated front trigger over a soft Pachmayer Old English pad. Stock appears to have had wood added to the top in order to decrease the drop, and a very nice job was done of it! Constructed of Siemens-Martin Steel, 29-3/4" barrels retain like-new black finish, beautiful bores, 2-1/2" chambers, 0.731 bores and chokes of 0.011 and 0.034. We determined minimum barrel wall thickness is approx 0.025" There appears to be more than enough metal to lengthen the chambers to 2-3/4" after consulting a professional gun smith, of course. Barrels have crisp lettering and engraving and the swamped-rib matting is strong and crisp. Barrels lock up tight on face with the top lever just a hair to the right of center, which is good. Safety is non-automatic, has nice engraving on its slide, and "S" gold-inlaid. 
     Nicely complementing the fine checkering in the side panels, deep relief carved leaves on the breeches draw attention to the perfectly-fitted side clips. These become more evident when opening the barrels, accompanied by the crisp and perfectly timed automatic ejectors.
     Frame and fore end iron retain approx 80% case colors and crisp egraving.
     Overall, this gun #383XX, standing out as a gem in the sea of used Francottes on the market, is a very presentable "shooter" with good dimensions and would be a joy to own. 

     This example offered at $2900 SOLD