Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this BEAUTIFUL and High-Quality side-by-side shotgun for a penny-start auction; this is the Francotte Pre-War Sidelock SXS!
Based on our research, we believe this exquisite pre-war sidelock side-by-side to be a Francotte, exhibiting the refined craftsmanship and stylistic characteristics typical of the esteemed Belgian maker. This example bears an intriguing blend of French and Belgian proof marks, suggesting a unique cross-border history. The bottoms of the barrels are stamped with Saint-Étienne triple proofs, while the coin-finished Holland & Holland–style sidelock action carries both Belgian proofs on the water table and additional French proofs. Mechanically and aesthetically, the gun displays numerous high-grade features—such as a non-automatic safety with “SAFE” inlaid in gold, intercepting safety sears, a hidden third fastener, bushed strikers, and an articulated front trigger—all hallmarks of bespoke craftsmanship. The delicately filed fences with raised foliate motifs and the richly executed game-scene engravings across the action and lockplates elevate it to the level of functional art, capturing a vibrant tableau of hunting life. Though unsigned, the skill and attention to detail leave little doubt that this sidelock was crafted by a master gunmaker, embodying the elegance and precision that define the finest pre-war European sporting arms.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Francotte
Model: Pre-War Sidelock SXS
Serial: 20016
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Coin Receiver with Blue Barrels
Barrel Length: 27 ½"
Optics/Sights: Bead Front
Stock/Grips: Figured Walnut Straight Grip Stock and Forearm with Fine Line Checkering
Action: Side-by-Side, Break-Action Shotgun
Markings: The bottoms of the barrels are stamped with Saint-Étienne triple proofs, while the coin-finished Holland & Holland–type sidelock action bears both Belgian proofs on the water table and additional French proofs. The action incorporates a non-automatic safety (with “SAFE” inlaid in gold), intercepting safety sears, a hidden third fastener, bushed strikers, an H&H-style takedown screw, and double triggers with the front trigger articulated. The action body is finely filed, and the fences are adorned with raised, carved foliate motifs. Nearly the entire surface of the action and lockplates is richly engraved with detailed game scenes—foxes flushing ducks on the right and setters flushing quail on the left. The underside of the action features three hound dogs hunting a boar, while a buck and bedded doe decorate the trigger guard bow. Neither a maker’s name nor an engraver’s signature is present, leaving the artistry to speak entirely for itself.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Francotte pre-war sidelock side-by-side is a fine example of Belgian gunmaking at its turn-of-the-century and interwar peak—combining hand-fitted English styling cues with continental finishing and proofing standards. Auguste Francotte & Cie built a wide range of sidelock SxS guns for export and domestic markets, and their pre-World War II sidelocks are characterized by solid, well-proportioned actions, high-quality lockwork, and often generous engraving and wood selection on higher grades. Mechanically, the sidelock layout places the sears and mainsprings on separate removable plates bolted to the action, which simplifies servicing and allows the maker to fit finely tuned locking and timing; Francotte actions of the period commonly feature robust locking shoulders, good hinge geometry, and either extractors or automatic ejectors depending on grade. Barrels were typically ordered in common European lengths and chamberings of the era, with proofs and acceptance marks from Liège (Belgium) and occasional export proofs; bores were often well-finished and choked to customer spec, and many guns show elegant, relatively restrained Belgian engraving rather than the heavier English scenes. Fit and finish on good Francottes are usually excellent—tight action face, crisp sear engagement, and a pleasant, tailored trigger pull—making them reliable and attractive working doubles rather than purely decorative pieces.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: Pre-War Sidelock SXS
Serial: 20016
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Coin Receiver with Blue Barrels
Barrel Length: 27 ½"
Optics/Sights: Bead Front
Stock/Grips: Figured Walnut Straight Grip Stock and Forearm with Fine Line Checkering
Action: Side-by-Side, Break-Action Shotgun
Markings: The bottoms of the barrels are stamped with Saint-Étienne triple proofs, while the coin-finished Holland & Holland–type sidelock action bears both Belgian proofs on the water table and additional French proofs. The action incorporates a non-automatic safety (with “SAFE” inlaid in gold), intercepting safety sears, a hidden third fastener, bushed strikers, an H&H-style takedown screw, and double triggers with the front trigger articulated. The action body is finely filed, and the fences are adorned with raised, carved foliate motifs. Nearly the entire surface of the action and lockplates is richly engraved with detailed game scenes—foxes flushing ducks on the right and setters flushing quail on the left. The underside of the action features three hound dogs hunting a boar, while a buck and bedded doe decorate the trigger guard bow. Neither a maker’s name nor an engraver’s signature is present, leaving the artistry to speak entirely for itself.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Francotte pre-war sidelock side-by-side is a fine example of Belgian gunmaking at its turn-of-the-century and interwar peak—combining hand-fitted English styling cues with continental finishing and proofing standards. Auguste Francotte & Cie built a wide range of sidelock SxS guns for export and domestic markets, and their pre-World War II sidelocks are characterized by solid, well-proportioned actions, high-quality lockwork, and often generous engraving and wood selection on higher grades. Mechanically, the sidelock layout places the sears and mainsprings on separate removable plates bolted to the action, which simplifies servicing and allows the maker to fit finely tuned locking and timing; Francotte actions of the period commonly feature robust locking shoulders, good hinge geometry, and either extractors or automatic ejectors depending on grade. Barrels were typically ordered in common European lengths and chamberings of the era, with proofs and acceptance marks from Liège (Belgium) and occasional export proofs; bores were often well-finished and choked to customer spec, and many guns show elegant, relatively restrained Belgian engraving rather than the heavier English scenes. Fit and finish on good Francottes are usually excellent—tight action face, crisp sear engagement, and a pleasant, tailored trigger pull—making them reliable and attractive working doubles rather than purely decorative pieces.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
