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. Frances 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 particular 16 gauge side-by-side shotgun is a beautiful example of a the lightweight beautifully embellished sporting guns made by gun makers in Paris between 1840-1870. It features a beautiful, highly figured French Walnut stock, damascus-twists barrels and beautiful engraving. It remains in excellent condition.
It features a set of very well made locks. The locks and hammers feature fine engraving with the maker's name "HANNOTIN A PARIS" proudly displayed on both locks. The action of the locks is wonderfully smooth with solid half and full cocks.
The figured walnut stock features beautiful sharp checkering at the wrist with no cracks, chips or other damage. The length of pull is roughly 13.75"; making this light weight gun very comfortable for modern-sized shooters.
The barrels feature a beautiful twist pattern which is very striking in person. A hooked breech secures the barrel solidly to the tang; which is fully engraved with intricate scroll work.. The bores are both very good with no major rust or pitting. This gun has been very meticulously cared for over the last 150+ years!
The furniture is decorated with the same elaborate engraving as the lock and tang. The trigger guard is particularly striking; with a carefully cut foliage and more scroll work.
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.
