*THOMAS F. RYAN’S FRANCOTTE GRADE BB (20) “FEATHERWEIGHT” EJECTOR LIGHT GAME GUN.

*THOMAS F. RYAN’S FRANCOTTE GRADE BB (20) “FEATHERWEIGHT” EJECTOR LIGHT GAME GUN. SN 33225. Cal. 16 Ga. 2-1/2″ Chambers. 26″ Boldly figured, dovetailed chain Damascus bbls with machine matted game rib that has crossbolt extension, are engraved “Von Lengerke & Detmold” and “U. S. Agents, New – York” on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with “AF” crowned logo, “Francotte Choke Bore”, and have Belgian proofs. Bottoms of bbls are stamped “16”, SN, and with choke information. Side-plated boxlock action features automatic safety with “S” inlaid in gold, and visible through hole in safety slide. Action also features third fastener, side clips, and double triggers. Action is engraved with about 90% coverage tight scroll. Fences have semi-relief shaded acanthus. “A. Francotte Maker & Patentee Liege Belgium” is along bottom of each sideplate. Trigger guard is scroll engraved on bow, with SN on tang. Nicely figured European walnut long pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4″ over serrated horn buttplate on 5/8″ wood extension fitted to original curve of stock. 28 LPI flat top checkering has line border. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release with SN and A & F patent information on iron. Bore diameter: left -.664, right -.660. Bore restrictions: left -.022, right -.002. Wall thickness: left -.037, right -.033. Drop at heel: 2-1/2″, drop at comb: 1-5/8″. Weight: 6 lbs. 2 oz, LOP 14-3/4″. PROVENANCE: Letter from Griffin & Howe with particulars of gun, which was sold to Thomas F. Ryan in 1901, with Wikipedia entry pertaining to Mr. Ryan, and copies of catalog pages featuring this gun. CONDITION: Very fine, as found. Bbls retain 85 – 90% orig Damascus pattern, with some silvering and spotting, which should clean. Action and lockplates retain most of their orig very light color hardening which approximates a French gray, but with slight mottling visible. Trigger guard retains perhaps about 20% of its orig blue. Top lever retains perhaps 50% of its orig watery blue. Stocks retain most of their orig finish, with some oil added to buttstock along with lengthening piece. Forend has darkened, and most finish worn off. Checkering is somewhat worn and dirty. Bores are fine, bright and shiny. Right bbl has some light pitting toward muzzle, and has broad dent (flat spot) at muzzle which should be easily removed. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. A light, fast handling, bird gun. 4-41733 MGM29 (2,000-4,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2011

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1197	$5,175.00	THOMAS F. RYAN’S FRANCOTTE GRADE BB (20) “FEATHERWEIGHT” EJECTOR LIGHT GAME GUN. SN 33225. Cal. 16 Ga. 2-1/2″ Chambers. 26″ Boldly figured, dovetailed chain Damascus bbls with machine matted game rib that has crossbolt extension, are engraved “Von Lengerke & Detmold” and “U. S. Agents, New – York” on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with “AF” crowned logo, “Francotte Choke Bore”, and have Belgian proofs. Bottoms of bbls are stamped “16”, SN, and with choke information. Side-plated boxlock action features automatic safety with “S” inlaid in gold, and visible through hole in safety slide. Action also features third fastener, side clips, and double triggers. Action is engraved with about 90% coverage tight scroll. Fences have semi-relief shaded acanthus. “A. Francotte Maker & Patentee Liege Belgium” is along bottom of each sideplate. Trigger guard is scroll engraved on bow, with SN on tang. Nicely figured European walnut long pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4″ over serrated horn buttplate on 5/8″ wood extension fitted to original curve of stock. 28 LPI flat top checkering has line border. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release with SN and A & F patent information on iron. Bore diameter: left -.664, right -.660. Bore restrictions: left -.022, right -.002. Wall thickness: left -.037, right -.033. Drop at heel: 2-1/2″, drop at comb: 1-5/8″. Weight: 6 lbs. 2 oz, LOP 14-3/4″. PROVENANCE: Letter from Griffin & Howe with particulars of gun, which was sold to Thomas F. Ryan in 1901, with Wikipedia entry pertaining to Mr. Ryan, and copies of catalog pages featuring this gun. CONDITION: Very fine, as found. Bbls retain 85 – 90% orig Damascus pattern, with some silvering and spotting, which should clean. Action and lockplates retain most of their orig very light color hardening which approximates a French gray, but with slight mottling visible. Trigger guard retains perhaps about 20% of its orig blue. Top lever retains perhaps 50% of its orig watery blue. Stocks retain most of their orig finish, with some oil added to buttstock along with lengthening piece. Forend has darkened, and most finish worn off. Checkering is somewhat worn and dirty. Bores are fine, bright and shiny. Right bbl has some light pitting toward muzzle, and has broad dent (flat spot) at muzzle which should be easily removed. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. A light, fast handling, bird gun. 4-41733 MGM29 (2,000-4,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2011 Please Note:* All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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