AUGUST FRANCOTTE O/U TWO BARREL SET SHOTGUN WITH CASE FINELY ENGRAVED AND GOLD INLAID BY JEAN MARIE SMETS

AUGUST FRANCOTTE O/U TWO BARREL SET SHOTGUN WITH CASE FINELY ENGRAVED AND GOLD INLAID BY JEAN MARIE SMETS

22-5804
Cal. 12 Ga 2-3/4″
S# 15809

This gun has two sets of 28-3/8″ demi-block barrels fitted with matted solid ribs. Both are engraved with maker’s name and address on left side of top barrels. They are distinguished by the letter “I” gold inlaid on top ribs; one of which is surmounted by a star. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with S# along with “.1” or “.2”. Barrels marked “.1” have fixed IC and Mod chokes. Barrels marked “.2″ are fitted with choke tubes; these barrels also have the star. Both sets are stamped with 1985 Belgian nitro proofs for 2-3/4” chambers. Coin finished low profile O/U sideplated boxlock action features non-automatic safety (“SAFE” inlaid in gold) and single non-selective trigger. Action and sideplates are very finely engraved with about 80% coverage cleanly cut and shaded small scroll within geometric borders that surrounds game scenes. These scenes are of gold inlaid birds in nicely detailed bulino backgrounds. A pair of ducks are settling into a marsh on left plate. Three quail erupt from under a bush on right plate. Bottom of action portrays a pair of ruffed grouse in mature woodlands; one perched on a birch tree branch, the other flying. This fine work is signed “JM Smets” on trigger plate. Jean Marie Smets is a very highly regarded Belgian engraver who some people rank among the ten best of all time. S# is in gold on trigger guard tang. Well streaked European walnut, engraved steel capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2″ over solid black pad on 1/4″ spacer. Stock features drop points and closely spaced point pattern checkering at grip. Matching one piece schnabled ejector forend with Deeley release serves both barrel sets. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter for “.1”: U .743. O .736. Restriction: U .011 (IC). O .025 (Mod). Wall thickness: U .025. O .030. BBLS: Bore Diameter for “.2”: U .738. O .739. Restriction: U choke tubes. O choke tubes. Wall thickness: U .022. O .022. STOCK for “.1″: DAH: 2-1/2″. DAC: 1-1/2”. CAST: about 5/8″ off. LOP: 14-1/2″ WEIGHT: 7 lb. 10 oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: gun is accompanied by a good quality brown leather case with canvas outer cover which has space for gun and both barrel sets. Interior is lined in burgundy cloth and a black leather Francotte label is in lid. Case contains square oil bottle, fiberglass and brass two piece cleaning rod marked “WM Evans London”. A covered compartment holds 5 choke tubes (2 in gun for a total of 7) and removal tool. CONDITION: very fine. Barrels retaining nearly all of what appears to be their original blue, although engraving is a bit soft. Action retains nearly all of its original coin finish with some small areas of darkening toward rear of both sideplates. Stocks retain what appears to be their original oil finish with a good scattering of light marks and scratches. Bores are bright and shiny. Mechanically fine. Barrels are tight although a glimmer of light can be seen at juncture of barrels and top of action. Case leather is good as protected by its outer cover which shows some rubs. Interior cloth is good. Label somewhat soiled and rubbed. Accessories are good.

STATUS: MODERN