Some of the most beautiful work of this craftsman are in this book “The Francotte Dynasty”.
For more detail see: The Francotte Dynasty
Auguste FRANCOTTE
Here is a percussion pistol with the initials AF crowned inside the lock, so a production of the famous house Auguste Francotte.
Renaissance butt, eight deep striped barrel, front lock, trigger guard with finger rest.
We are probably in the early
days of percussion weapons since the chimney is placed on a masselotte giving
access to the light.
I don’t see any punches from the proofhouse of Liège.
GP
Auguste FRANCOTTE
It is a percussion pistol formerly with flint transformed, at one stroke, apparently inspired by the regulatory model of the French cavalry model 1822.
This transformation of the ignition mode from flint to percussion is clearly visible on the platinum plate.
The weapon was in principle intended for light cavalry and loading was carried out with the aid of the carabiner.
This weapon, however, does not have the statutory markings of the Belgian army. (or others?) it is therefore a weapon intended for civilian use.
The problem is that the weapon does not have the obligatory and regulatory markings of the LIEGE test bench.
Despite this, the weapon bears the brand of the
manufacturer Auguste FRANCOTTE,
rue Mont Saint Martin, 59 in LIEGE!
It is very likely that at a time when passing the test was still very random, the weapon was exported as it is!?
The marks on the gun also appeal to me because they are unknown to me, namely:
H in a circle, MC crowned, P in a crowned oval, HG are unknown to the battalion?? They probably belong to the various parties involved in the manufacture of the weapon??
Vertical lines inclined to the left or right are team marks.
668: is likely a serial number.
31, L3, 35 are probably workshop brands.
Sorry I couldn’t be more specific.
GG
