POTD: Francotte .410 Double Shotgun/Pistol – NFA Exempt Belgian Oddity
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have an Auguste Francotte .410 bore double barrel shotgun/pistol listed as exempt from National Firearms Act provisions by ATF Firearms Technology Branch and appearing on the BATFE Curio & Relic list by serial number. Built with 14-inch blued steel barrels, this features a matted concave solid rib with single bead sight, 3-inch chambers with automatic ejectors, and .006/.006-inch choke constrictions. The barrels are marked “AUGUSTE FRANCOTTE” and “LIEGE” and carry 1960 dated Liege proof marks with 1973 dated London reproof marks.
The scaled-down boxlock action has brushed bright finish with Greener type crossbolt. Lovely acanthus scroll engraving covers the action, blued toplever, trigger guard, and lower tang. Double triggers and tang-mounted automatic safety are standard features. Fitted with lightly figured multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved blued iron and ergonomic pistol grip with flared butt. The maker’s leather flat case contains snap caps and cleaning tools.
Under the National Firearms Act, a smoothbore handgun is normally an “Any Other Weapon” requiring NFA registration. However, certain firearms manufactured before specific dates or meeting particular criteria have been exempted by BATFE, making them transferable as standard firearms. This Francotte’s inclusion on the Curio & Relic list provides that exemption.
Auguste Francotte of Liege, Belgium produced high-quality shotguns and combination guns throughout the 20th century. This unusual scaled-down double represents Belgian gunmaking craftsmanship applied to an unconventional format.
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“NFA Exempt A. Francotte .410 Bore Double Barrel Shotgun/Pistol.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4096/1463/nfa-exempt-a-francotte-410-bore-double-barrel-shotgunpistol. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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