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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,074 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,074 Likes: 1 |
the info:
Using the DG list, it appears that the SxS double is a VL&D, pre-1910 No 3, Damascus NE boxlock. Fine small-scroll engraving, SPG, SPFE. Locks up tight, 26" bores are clean, small shallow almost-dent near muzzle. Very fine checkering, worn but not gone. Tightly-wound Damascus has an old blue job. Action is/may have had a 'bright' finish? Not chrome!! ;~`)Just good old steel.
Am sending it off for a strip&clean, and the dent repaired by a competent DGsmith. Unsure about proper Damascus finish, or who would do such. Serial appears to be 19754. Francotte Maker and patentee London. Double 'crown' proofs. No nitro proof that I could match to the proof pics.
Any additional info that may be inferred/corrected/added to the above, is welcome.
Thank You
Relax; we're all experts here.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 940 Likes: 6
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 940 Likes: 6 |
John,
Congrats on your new Francotte. I have a circa-1897 VL&D model 3a - similar to yours but with longer Martins steel barrels. I have always been very impressed with the quality of the early VL&D Francottes.
Take a second look at the serial number chart on this site. There are multiple Francotte serial number ranges presented. The second list is for "medium grade" guns which I always assumed my 3a fell into. This would put the manufacture of your gun at circa-1892.
Best regards,
Ken
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,553
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,553 |
Hello John
I hope you took some "before" pics to go the "after" ones you can show us:)
Seems like 1892-ish,right?.
I wonder when VLD started importing them?
Is a #3 their basic but sweet blne of the time?,does it have the chequered stock panels?..are the fences carved?
Best looking Francotte I ever had was a 1901 18e (?),the old ones were lovely.
Mr Bob Beach , a member here seems to have access to old Francotte/VL&D records,or so I believe...perhaps he'll be along to help.
Sorry I'm not much help, but I'm always interested in any posts on these guns.Hope your guy does a good job for you
cheers
Franc
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,074 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,074 Likes: 1 |
Thanks all.
Bob Beach seconded the date range and quality placement.
No checkered cheeks, but Very fine LPI on PG and FE. Fences are not carved, but have a beaded edge, with the same fine engraving as the action, TG and FE. Auto safety, gold inlay on it and thin band of gold across rib.
Very handy & well balanced - sorta a quail grouse woodcock feeling to it. The Damascus demands to be seen again, so will have to find appropriate finish color and craftsman, there.
Slowlyy -- no haste as it fine now, but the strip and clean and and minor bbl dent raise will be tended to.
Relax; we're all experts here.
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