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Some of the most beautiful work of this craftsman are in this book “The Francotte Dynasty”.

For more detail see: The Francotte Dynasty

Deux Two Bull Dog revolvers by Auguste Francotte for Clermont-Ferrand

Text : Jean-Christophe Plaquevent and Charles Koupermann

Photos : Charles Koupermann

The Francotte name is particularly respected in the world of Liège gunsmiths. A wealth of information is available on the website, particularly for the most famous of them all, Auguste Francotte:

https://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20francotte/a%20francotte%20fr.htm

There is also a superb, richly illustrated book detailing the Francotte dynasty's production, with the firm's complete history and all the information available to date:

https://www.littlegun.be/livres/a%20a%20livre%20alain%20francotte.htm

The weapons of the talented Auguste range from sniper pistols, civilian and military revolvers, carbines, and shotguns. Some are original and patented, while others are interpretations based on the creations of other gunsmiths.

In this last family, two superb British Bull Dog revolvers bearing the Auguste Francotte name were recently discovered, intended for the Auvergne market. Indeed, both were marketed in Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme, France) by the arquebusier Claude Drillien. Little information is available about this dealer. Born in 1839 in Burgundy, he is believed to have operated between 1890 and 1900. After his death in 1907 in Clermont-Ferrand, his business does not appear to have been taken over. The two revolvers described here suggest a close commercial relationship between the two companies.

Both weapons have survived to the present day in a beautiful state of preservation, retaining most of their deep bronzing and their mechanisms in excellent condition. One is in .450 caliber, also accepting the standard 11mm73 ammunition, the second in .380. The latter bears the British Bulldog designation, unlike its .450 counterpart, which does not. They both feature a well-marked comb, beautiful checkered plates, and a high-quality finish, making them interpretations worthy of Webley's original creations.

The markings are characteristic of Auguste Francotte, as shown in the photos. The most original and spectacular is the use of the stylized AF coat of arms blended with the maritime anchor, the rope of which forms a fine arabesque stylization extending to encircle the weapon's serial number in its loop. The tip of the anchor is dominated by the protective character "DÉPOSÉ." The .450 caliber model bears this logo.