Thread: Help identifying this firearm

Hi Everyone,

Recently my grandfather passed away and sitting in his wardrobe was this shotgun (firearm), I think it is a .410?
It has beautiful lines and I know it is old becaues it has a plate inset into the stock that has a date of 1888 on it.
There is a manufacturers name on it in A Francotte of Leige on it.
I have googled them but there is no information in this firearm. It has beautiful lines and it not in the best condition but I though I would use the combined knowledge of the forum to see if people know more info about it.

Thanks for your help in advance,

Cameron

Auguste Francotte was a quality manufacturer of firearms in Liege, Belgium. Francotte made some Martini .310 Cadet rifles for the British Commonwealth countries, as well as selling commercial firearms like your nice wee .410. They went out of business in WW1 when the Germans occupied Belgium. In addition to rifles and shotguns, they also manufactured revolvers and pistols.

Thanks Gundoc,

That is great info, I wonder how many of these .410's are floating around hidden in other places here in New Zealand.
It is a beautiful wee gun, Im really not sure what to do with it, wall hanger perhaps?

Shoot it!

Originally Posted by Maca49

Shoot it!

Yup. That is what it was made to do.

Shoot it and keep it clean and oiled it's good for another 100+ years.

Francotte still exists today, making v expensive bespoke guns.

If you don't I will that's what it was built for

I appreciate the comments advice and information regarding the .410.

It is a beautiful gun and I think Ill get it checked by a gunsmith and make sure its safe and then use it on a few quail.

Thanks Sideshow I appreciate the offer of you taking it off my hands but I think Ill look after it in the meantime!

Can't blame me for trying.

Neat little gun.
Ask your gunsmith to check the length of the chamber, it could be 2" or 2 1/2" or someone could have punched it out to 3".
Ammo is still available in all these lengths.