Francotte

Belgian manufacturer of firearms and ammunition

Auguste Francotte&Comp. was a privately owned firearms manufacturer based in Liège, Belgium. It was founded between 1805. and 1810, and was still in operation after 1948.

The company was founded in 1805 by August Francotte in Liège, based at Rue de Mont Saint Martin 61. The company was especially active from 1860 to 1914 before manufacturing ceased due to the German invasion of Belgium. The company resumed production after World War I. Also, in 1875, Serbia procured 11 mm Lefaucheux Francotte M. 1871 revolvers of double action, similar to a Danish revolver Lefaucheux Francotte M1865.

Throughout the period from the middle of the nineteenth century to 1914, Belgian gunmakers like Auguste Francotte made large quantities of rifles and revolvers of the most diverse construction, calibre and size; most, however, were imitations (produced under licence) of other well known systems (Martini Henry, Mauser, Smith&Wesson, Nagant). Later they concentrated on high quality, expensive civilian arms.

Francotte Martini rifle, single shot breachloader with falling block action. Made after 1865, it was an unlicenced derivative of the Peabody rifle. Modern versions are of the hamerless type, and have a removable breechblock, which can be easily removed for cleaning. It is a very well made and expensive weapon.

Model 1865, Chamelot Delavigne double action pinfire revolver with solid frame and fixed cylinder, with no mechanical extractor. Made for Danish navy, caliber 11 mm. Model 1871, Lefaucheux Francotte double action pinfire revolver with solid frame and fixed cylinder, with no mechanical extractor. Made for Danish army, caliber 11 mm. Revolver m/1871, Lefaucheux Francotte double action revolver with solid frame and fixed cylinder, with no mechanical extractor. Made for Swedish army, caliber 11 mm. Model 1882 (trooper's model), similar as above, made for Danish army, caliber 10.9 mm. Model 1886 (trooper's model), similar as above, made for Danish army, caliber 9.5 mm.