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Wonderful Belgian Mauser Magazine Sporting Rifle by August Francotte

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Wonderful Belgian Mauser Magazine Sporting Rifle by August Francotte
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 23 @ 09:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
serial #21485, 338 Win Mag, 25 1/2'' barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barreled action of this lovely big game rifle retains about 98% original polished blue showing some very mild operational wear along the bold body and a few light scuff marks along the upper tang raceway from bolt installation. The left side of the barrel shank shows ''(Crown) / AF'' Francotte marking while the top of the barrel shows a very fine marking ''Made in Belgium by Aug. Francotte Cal. 338 Mag.'' in gold and the left side of the barrel is neatly engraved with Atlanta Outfitters U.S. retailer agent markings. The bolt handle is swept back slightly and features a finely checkered flat-faced knob. The extended upper tang shows nice foliate scrollwork engraving while the bottom metal, triggerguard with full pistolgrip tang, and pistolgrip cap are case-hardened now mostly toned to an attractive silvery case-hardened patina with some vibrant colors in the protected areas around the triggerguard. These are embellished in full coverage with excellent quality detailed flowing foliate scrollwork and finely stippled background shading, the floral screw heads retaining nice fire blue, the serial number inlaid in gold along the lower tang and the floorplate featuring a nice gold portrait of a bear. The traditional checkered pistolgrip walnut sporting stock featured contrasting rosewood forend tip and Pachmayr flush mount sling swivels. The stock rates excellent showing a nice oil finish and a few sparsely scattered light handling marks. The left edge of the stock has not been relieved for the thumb cutout of the receiver as Francotte no doubt just used a commercially available Belgian Mauser action and obviously a provision for using stripper clips with 338 was not necessary. The fine checkering remains intact and strong and the wood exhibits lovely grain figure throughout. The buttplate is also very handsome, bearing a silvery case-hardened patina and is engraved with a very nice wide crosshatched pattern and some fine foliate scrollwork. The rifle is equipped with a single traditional trigger and also features a nice quarter rib with fine top matting, foliate scroll flourish and gold inlaid ''7'' at rear sighted with express rear sight with a pair of flip-up leaves and generous front sight base equipped with a large silver bead and optional flip-up hood. A spare front sight insert remains housed in the pistolgrip compartment, length-of-pull is 14 1/2'' and weight is 7 lbs. 14 oz. The bolt is matching and the action seems to function well mechanically. A beautiful Francotte sporting rifle in the popular 338 Win Mag chambering suitable for all manner of North American game. (13F11778-3) {C&R} (7000/9000)