I think that, for American shooters, the introduction of the Browning Superposed shotgun (B-25), the last gun design of the great John Browning before he died in 1926, was the turning point. In the 1930's this situation slowly improved. Only lessor quality American guns were made in Belgium or supplied with Belgian barrels and large numbers of cheaply made private label (house brand) shotguns were imported from Belgium. American high grade guns, for example, usually came with British, German, or American made barrels. II.) Belgian twist barrels, especially, were viewed with suspicion, sometimes with good reason. (This was much the same situation as occurred with Spanish guns in the decades immediately following W.W. I), in addition to best guns, a great number of relatively low grade guns and also double gun barrels were manufactured in Belgium. From the late 1800's through the decade immediately following the Great War (W.W. Today Belgian made guns have a deservedly high reputation, but this was not always the case. Since the evolution of the modern side-by-side and over/under hammerless shotguns in the late 19th Century, Belgian gunmakers have turned out some of the best.
The Liege proof house was established in 1672 and it is the oldest European proof house still in operation. Liege, Belgium has been a gunmaking center for centuries.
Best guns are typically bespoke guns, or are at least available as bespoke guns. and they are usually available with different levels of adornment. Most best guns are decorated with engraving, fine line hand checkering, etc. A best gun is intended to be competitive with the best that any other shop can build. One of those few shotguns intended to compete in the marketplace primarily on the basis of quality, design, workmanship and finish rather than just price.
Let's start by reviewing the definition of 'best gun': As used here, best gun means a double-barreled shotgun of the highest quality. To secure detailed information and price estimates, please drop us a not via the information request form Auguste Francotte & Cie - Introduction Francotte - The Tradition of Quality Francotte - General Specifications Francotte - The Guns Pictorial I Francotte - The Guns Pictorial II Request more info on Auguste Francotte Custom Firearms Francotte Shotgun Models Model home Welcome Sponsors The Gun Rack The Book Rack Francotte Shotgun Models Vs Enter Our Monthly Lottery Order or request more information Other Useful Information Updated 10/11/96 DCW -Copyright © 1996, The purchase of an Auguste Francotte firearm is an investment that will reward you and your descendants for many years to come. The following illustrative material is provided to give you the flavor of these, one of the most prestigious gun brands in the world. Options and embellishment are limited only by the imagination and desires of the customer. Francotte has delivered shotguns and rifles costing upwards of $80,000. However, it is safe to say that the most basic Francotte shotgun will cost about $18,000. Hence, we do not have a model by model price list. Each gun is a special creation designed and executed with precision and artistry to please a specific customer. Its founding pre-dates that of both James Purdey and Holland & Holland of London.įrancotte guns are owned by most of the world's industrial leaders, chiefs of state, and the crowned heads of Europe and Asia. is one of the oldest (Maison Fondee 1805), of the world's few fine Gunmakers. The 26' barrels have mint bores and are double bite and cross bolt.Click for more info Seller: W David Powell.Īuguste Francotte & Cie. This 20 gauge ejector is a bird hunters dream, as well as a great collectable. High Grade Shotgun Dates of Production: YEAR: GUN # AUGUSTE FRANCOTTE - Best Grade: 1887: 14211: AUGUSTE FRANCOTTE - Best Grade: 1888: 14229: AUGUSTE FRANCOTTE - Best Grade. Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales.