My French 16ga x 16bore Cape Gun - Manufrance Robust No.32ES

Hello All,

I like Cape Guns and have several in my collection. I thought about adding this one so I watched it being advertised for nearly 2 years. I was hesitating because my other Cape Guns are Rifle/Shotgun or Shotgun/Rifle combinations. This one is Shotgun/Shotgun with the right barrel being rifled.

Well, I finally decided to bring it to Wisconsin, and I'm sure glad I did. This one is an overall very high quality ejector with very nice engraving, and lots of original finish. And it has a unique sling feature that is really cool. The leather sling has a spring wind-up that retracts it into the stock for storage.

I originally listed this on another site wanting info on all the proof marks. I learned what they mean, and found I have acquired a very rare gun. The rifled right barrel is made as a "spreader" barrel to rapidly disperse the shot pattern for very close shots, and it also allows the firing of "Ball". (bullet) I guess the proper term therefore would be its a "Ball & Shot" gun.

From another Forum, one of the members found a French publication that commented;

"... it’s worth noting that certain barrels, meant for firing ball, were rifled from the exit of the chamber, along the entire length of the barrel. What happiness for a collecter to come upon such a rarity. ..."

Yes, my happiness, for sure.

And, your comments are always welcome.
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HERE IS THE ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENT

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