*LIGHTWEIGHT FRANCOTTE 20 GAUGE EAGLE GRADE GAME GUN.

*LIGHTWEIGHT FRANCOTTE 20 GAUGE EAGLE GRADE GAME GUN. SN 62376. Cal. 20 ga. 2-5/8″ Chambers. 26″ Chopper lump bbls with concave, matted game rib, having dolls head extension, is marked with V L & D name and address on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with Belgian black powder proofs, Siemens steel information, and “Francotte Choke Bore”. Bbls are stamped with choke information, SN, and “2-5/8″ for the 7/8 oz load. Case hardened action features non-automatic safety, crossbolt third fastener, side clips, and Miller selective single trigger (selector rocker in front of trigger). Action and lockplates are engraved with exceptionally well detailed game birds flying through backgrounds of light scroll, with pheasants on left lockplate, quail on right, and snipe on bottom of action, which is also embellished with gold inlaid heraldic eagle. Fences are very nicely carved with emergent acanthus. There are a trio of ducks on trigger guard bow, with SN at grip. Lightly marbled European walnut semi-pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2” over checkered horn buttplate, and features nicely shaped drop points, point pattern checkering with mullered borders, and a large gold oval on toe line engraved “G. P.” Splinter forend with Francotte patent ejector, has Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.627, right -.626. Bore restrictions: left -.018, right -.004. Wall thickness: left -.022, right -.027. Drop at heel: 2-5/16″, drop at comb: 1-5/16″. Weight: 5 lbs. 8 oz, LOP 14-1/2″. The grade 45E or “Eagle Grade” was a very popular well made, upscale game gun retailed at high end boutiques, offering great value. PROVENANCE: A & F records indicate that it was received in 1906, and sold in 1908. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refurbished. Bbls retain nearly all of a fine satin rust blue, slightly silvered at muzzles, with some marks at left breech. Action and lockplates retain most of their orig case hardening color, which has silvered considerably on bottom of action and fences, is fairly strong on lockplates, and does not appear to have ever been vivid. High quality replacement buttstock retains most of its orig hand rubbed oil finish, with a number of minor marks. There is a crack running from top rear of tang down through left side checkering turning back toward drop point, which does flex. Orig forend wood has numerous fairly heavy dents and compressions in front of iron. Checkering is lightly worn. Bores are excellent. Action is very slightly loose. Ejectors are in perfect time. Trigger works well. With a few common repairs, this Eagle will be in tip top shape. 4-46135 MGM159 (4,000-6,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012

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
	2411	$7,475.00	LIGHTWEIGHT FRANCOTTE 20 GAUGE EAGLE GRADE GAME GUN. SN 62376. Cal. 20 ga. 2-5/8″ Chambers. 26″ Chopper lump bbls with concave, matted game rib, having dolls head extension, is marked with V L & D name and address on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with Belgian black powder proofs, Siemens steel information, and “Francotte Choke Bore”. Bbls are stamped with choke information, SN, and “2-5/8″ for the 7/8 oz load. Case hardened action features non-automatic safety, crossbolt third fastener, side clips, and Miller selective single trigger (selector rocker in front of trigger). Action and lockplates are engraved with exceptionally well detailed game birds flying through backgrounds of light scroll, with pheasants on left lockplate, quail on right, and snipe on bottom of action, which is also embellished with gold inlaid heraldic eagle. Fences are very nicely carved with emergent acanthus. There are a trio of ducks on trigger guard bow, with SN at grip. Lightly marbled European walnut semi-pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2” over checkered horn buttplate, and features nicely shaped drop points, point pattern checkering with mullered borders, and a large gold oval on toe line engraved “G. P.” Splinter forend with Francotte patent ejector, has Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.627, right -.626. Bore restrictions: left -.018, right -.004. Wall thickness: left -.022, right -.027. Drop at heel: 2-5/16″, drop at comb: 1-5/16″. Weight: 5 lbs. 8 oz, LOP 14-1/2″. The grade 45E or “Eagle Grade” was a very popular well made, upscale game gun retailed at high end boutiques, offering great value. PROVENANCE: A & F records indicate that it was received in 1906, and sold in 1908. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refurbished. Bbls retain nearly all of a fine satin rust blue, slightly silvered at muzzles, with some marks at left breech. Action and lockplates retain most of their orig case hardening color, which has silvered considerably on bottom of action and fences, is fairly strong on lockplates, and does not appear to have ever been vivid. High quality replacement buttstock retains most of its orig hand rubbed oil finish, with a number of minor marks. There is a crack running from top rear of tang down through left side checkering turning back toward drop point, which does flex. Orig forend wood has numerous fairly heavy dents and compressions in front of iron. Checkering is lightly worn. Bores are excellent. Action is very slightly loose. Ejectors are in perfect time. Trigger works well. With a few common repairs, this Eagle will be in tip top shape. 4-46135 MGM159 (4,000-6,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012 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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