Some of the most beautiful work of this craftsman, and many others, are in this book “Liège Gunmakers through their Work. 1800 - 1950”.
For more detail see: LIEGE GUNMAKERS
REVOLVER FRANCOTTE
This is an elegant
revolver for military use. Its construction appears to be of the highest order,
with its finely checkered walnut grips and cap ring. Its origin is evident from
the manufacturer's markings: A. Francotte in Liège on the top of the barrel and
AF under crown on the cylinder and frame. These specific markings indicate
production by Auguste Francotte, a Liège craftsman whose work and biography are
described on the website...
https://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20francotte/a%20francotte%20gb.htm
... as well as in
the reference work entirely devoted to the Francotte dynasty:
https://www.littlegun.be/livres/a%20a%20livre%20alain%20francotte.htm
The weapon
examined here is a Francotte Model 1871 revolver, in 11 mm caliber, a full
description of which is available via the following links :
This revolver,
invented by Mr. August Hagstrom, was produced by Francotte in 6,684 units for
the Swedish army (cavalry, adopted on April 19, 1871). Husqvarna also produced a
series of 520 units for the civilian market. In addition to the manufacturer's
characteristic markings, the weapon bears the following hallmarks:
ELG over an oval
star: proof house from September 8, 1846, to July 11, 1893.
35 (cylinder,
barrel, hammer, frame): serial number.
T surmounted by a
crown: inspector's hallmark from December 30, 1853, to January 26, 1877.
4R 3S No. 24:
Swedish cavalry attribution mark.
In conclusion, this is a Francotte Model
1871 revolver, in 11 mm caliber, intended for the Swedish cavalry as a
standard-issue weapon. The particularly low serial number of this example
suggests early production, as early as 1871.
Chris, HPH
Here are the
explanations provided by a Swedish collector of the 4R 3S No. 24 marking
4R : Norrlands
dragonregemente
3: eskvadronen,
N°24 : soldier
nr24
Norrland = A
county in northern Sweden.
Dragoon Regiment:
Mounted Infantry Regiment
3rd Squadron
Soldier Number 24
REVOLVER FRANCOTTE
This weapon is in fact a revolver LEFAUCHEUX FRANCOTTE model 1871 Swedish with box frame and central percussion.
The firm of Liège adapts revolver LEFAUCHEUX to the central percussion and the shooting of the 11 mm what is worth to him at the collectors the name of “Lefaucheux-Francotte”.
This weapon with central percussion thus uses the cartridge 11 mm presenting a light pad and furnished with a lubricated lead warhead.
The system with percussion is with simple action and double action, the barrel comprises six rooms and turns from left to right. The round barrel is equipped with a massive rectangular handlebar.
This barrel is surrounded by a rotary sleeve of the rod of ejection on the back by a side door.
The rod of ejection positions under the barrel and is inserted in the hollow axis of the cylinder.
The large axis comprises brake-arises which prevents the barrel from turning too quickly to armed with the hammer.
The frame has a trigger guard interdependent as well as a plate of covering of the mechanism of the hammer, trigger and system of locking of the cylinder.
The frame of stick belongs to the carcass, two plates in drowning squared are fixed through the frame of stick by a screw and two rivet washers as well as second screw placed higher and being screwed at against direction.
Markings
The weapon carries the punches of tests of Liège, namely:
Spangled ELG in an oval: acceptance of 1846 to 1893.
NR crowned: countermark of the controller of 1853 to 1877.
It also carries the mark of manufacturer AF crowned deposited by Auguste FRANCOTTE street Mont St Martin, 64 in Liege.
The n° 4651 should be the job number of the weapon.
This weapon was lawful in the Swedish army under the term “model 1871” It carried the marks of the Swedish army (regimental assignments) like L113 - 59b - 41.
These marks are not reproduced on the present part; it thus acts with my direction of a civil model.
GG
