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