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4 members (rwarren, FelixD, 2 invisible),
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Mar 29th, 2024
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 30
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 30 |
Very excited that I've made my first foray into vintage doubles. I had posted earlier this year about possibly buying a Colt 1878 but after getting a great deal of feedback from forum members and just not feeling all warm and fuzzy about the gun, I changed avenues. I decided on a beautiful A. Francotte hammerless that has lovely chain Damascus barrels and great engraving. The quandary I've run into is when I spoke about shipping the gun. If my research is correct, the serial number and forgings all indicate a gun manufactured in late 1896 or early 1897. The seller insists that she is younger, manufactured between 1920-1970. He seems like an older fellow, very nice and I think I did fantastic in the deal. Paid $1500. Bores shiny smooth, at least 90% finish on barrels and even better on engraving. All screws proper, locks tight and on face. Serial number 28428, among the proofs are the proper Francotte stampings and "non pour balle", along with a diamond with a 12 over C. Am I crazy or is she a late 1800's gun? If i did my homework right, ive dated her correctly and the proofs are for blackpowder. I'll try to post pics, a little computer illiterate. Thanks to Pete for his insight awhile back!
Life is too short for cheap guns, cheap women and cheap whiskey.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598 |
Very excited that I've made my first foray into vintage doubles. I had posted earlier this year about possibly buying a Colt 1878 but after getting a great deal of feedback from forum members and just not feeling all warm and fuzzy about the gun, I changed avenues. I decided on a beautiful A. Francotte hammerless that has lovely chain Damascus barrels and great engraving. The quandary I've run into is when I spoke about shipping the gun. If my research is correct, the serial number and forgings all indicate a gun manufactured in late 1896 or early 1897. The seller insists that she is younger, manufactured between 1920-1970. He seems like an older fellow, very nice and I think I did fantastic in the deal. Paid $1500. Bores shiny smooth, at least 90% finish on barrels and even better on engraving. All screws proper, locks tight and on face. Serial number 28428, among the proofs are the proper Francotte stampings and "non pour balle", along with a diamond with a 12 over C. Am I crazy or is she a late 1800's gun? If i did my homework right, ive dated her correctly and the proofs are for blackpowder. I'll try to post pics, a little computer illiterate. Thanks to Pete for his insight awhile back! Sounds like a very nice gun. I believe you have the dating correct. Glad I was able to help a bit along with many others. Pete
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,859
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,859 |
Very excited that I've made my first foray into vintage doubles...
Oh oh, abandon all hope all ye who enter here... Welcome to the dark side.
Seriously, congratulations.
Steve
Approach life like you do a yellow light - RUN IT! (Gail T.)
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,266 Likes: 199
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,266 Likes: 199 |
According to the serial no. list for Medium Grade Guns, your gun was made when you think it was. High grade gun serial numbers go into the low 20,000s in the 1980s, but those numbers did not extend as high as your gun's number.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 30
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 30 |
Last edited by Ceruzziracing; 02/06/11 02:31 AM.
Life is too short for cheap guns, cheap women and cheap whiskey.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 30
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 30 |
Thanks Pete. Tried to upload from my iPad but am not very savvy. My 7 and 9 y/o daughters handle a computer better than me lol.
Life is too short for cheap guns, cheap women and cheap whiskey.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,375 Likes: 105
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,375 Likes: 105 |
Pinned in the wrist, but otherwise looks very nice.
Agree with Daryl and with your estimate on age. According to the sources I have, "non pour balle" was no longer used after 1897.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,090 Likes: 334
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,090 Likes: 334 |
With wood like that, the gun just begs for a master-class wood repair specialist to remove those pins through the wrist and panels and redo the checkering, with a nice refinish. Might not be possible to do. Some nice piece anyway.
JR
Be strong, be of good courage.
God bless America, long live the Republic.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 30
Boxlock
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Boxlock
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 30 |
What direction do you end up going by doing a repair (value wise)? What % of a guns value is in the stock relative to the overall piece?
Life is too short for cheap guns, cheap women and cheap whiskey.
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