French guns aren't particularly rare. As a world power during the 19th Century, Frances influence in military firearms can be seen in collector's gun shows throughout the world. The country sent tens of thousands of military guns to North America during both the American Revolution and the Civil War; and many of those guns still exist today. In fact, many are plentiful enough that shootable examples can still be purchased for under $1000.00. France's Colonial influences are still scene in gun markets throughout the Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and French-made firearms are still used in many of these regions.
However, this rule only applies to French military arms. When it comes to French sporting guns; that's a different story. In fact French civilian guns are nearly nonexistent in the modern collector market, and there's a number of reasons for this. The first is France's historically strict gun laws. While a nation-wide ban on civilian ownership of guns wasn't enacted until 1939, local restrictions on firearm ownership have been in place in various regions of the country since the 1730's. Additionally a lack of accessible hunting land meant that French citizens didn't have much reason to own firearms as most land ownership was held by the nobility. The Second World War also heavily impacted the survival rate of French-made weapons, as most of the country's firearms were confiscated and destroyed by the Nazis while a large percent of what wasn't confiscated was destroyed during the fighting.
Whatever the case, French guns are quite rare with most surviving examples on the American market having been brought to the US prior to WWII.
This beautiful French 16 gauge shotgun was made in the late 1880s to early 1890s judging by its early "Anson & Deeley" box lock action.
It is a beautiful example of French craftsmanship and is beautifully embellished light scroll engraving and gold inlay on the trigger guard. The trigger guard is marked "Delbare Chavance Breteuis" which roughly translates to the "Delbare Estate - Patented". It appears that this shotgun was originally commission by a wealthy French family for hunting on their estate, and they hand their family name inlayed in gold to denote their ownership
The stock was made from figured walnut. The edges are still crisp and the metal components remain flush with the wood. The stock has one minor, professionally repaired chip on the toe of the butt (see photos); apart from that their are no other cracks, splits or other damage, and the stock still retains its original horn butt plate.
The barrels are made from solid steel, a rarity for the period. Damascus and twist barrels were standard on shotguns during this time with lightweight fluid steel barrels being difficult to produce - so this gun's fluid steel barrels are a feature worth noting. The barrels are both in great condition and remain firmly secured in place by the ribs - the barrels ring like a bell when tapped; a testament to the craftsmanship of the maker.
Both barrels retain an overwhelming majority of their original bluing. The barrels lock up tight with no wobble on the face when closed. Both bores are very good - mostly shiny with no major rust or pitting. This gun has been very meticulously cared for over the last 130+ years!
This beautiful shotgun was made for a "man of means" and was clearly well taken care of as a treasured family heirloom. Add it to your collection and you and your family can treasure it for generations to come.
