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LOT 1466
Excellent Factory Philippe Grifnee and Rocco Capece Signed, Engraved, and Gold
Inlaid Auguste Francotte 20 Gauge Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun with Case - Serial
no. 91480, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/brushed bright/gold finish, walnut stock.
Auguste Francotte was one of Liege’s premier gunmakers during the firms entire existence,
which spanned nearly 200 years, starting in 1810 and shutting their doors in 2001. This gun,
completed in 1980, is an excellent example of the quality of work that was completed by the
firm during their time. The gun was built with blued steel barrels featuring a single brass bead
sight on the hand filed concave game rib, “AUG. FRANCOTTE A LIEGE” marked on the right
tube, light engraving at the breech, proof marks on the flats, import mark on the underside
of the left tube, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the
brushed bright sidelock action which displays attractive deep relief engraved floral scrollwork
around “AUG. FRANCOTTE/a LIEGE” on the action bar and four game scenes. The scenes
consist of a trio of gold inlaid ducks taking flight from a pond on the left lockplate, a pair of
gold inlaid ducks coming to land on a pond on the right lockplate, and a perched bald eagle
on the underside of the action. The scroll engraving continues onto the toplever, the trigger
guard which shows a gold inlaid woodcock, and both tangs, the bottom of which shows the
serial number in gold. The engraving is signed “GRAVURE: MAISON FRANCOTTE/PG.RC” on
the triggerplate for one of Master Engravers Philippe Grifnee and Rocco Capece. The gun
features bushed firing pins, a single trigger, ribbed cocking indicators, and a tang mounted
manual safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. The gun is fitted in a beautifully figured and multi-point
checkered semi-beavertail forend with engraved brushed bright iron and a straight hand
stock with teardrop carved drop points, blank gold inscription oval, and a checkered bare
butt. Includes a maker’s leather flat case with nickel oiler, snap caps, and cleaning tools.
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