POTD: A 22 Copy of The C93 Borchardt – The Francotte Borchardt
Sam.S 11.30.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This Francotte single-shot .22 LR pistol bears an unmistakable resemblance to Hugo Borchardt’s iconic but expensive C-93 semi-automatic pistol. Acting as an affordable rimfire alternative in the early 20th century, this clever training gun mimics the futuristic Borchardt aesthetic in blowback manual form. From its signature knobbed toggle-lock handle to the rear fluid spring housing, Francotte’s design visually captures the C-93’s essence while substituting practical improvements like an angled grip. Easy takedown reveals a striker-fired action, activated by pulling back the toggle-locked bolt. While manual operation precluded semi-auto functionality, the Francotte’s elaborate windage- and elevation-adjustable sights, coupled with an interchangeable blade front, provided precise accuracy for discerning marksmen. Though only a single shot, its intricate craftsmanship and uncanny resemblance to Borchardt’s famous but prohibitive pistol made this an attractive training option in its day.
“This single shot .22 LR pistol has a manually operated toggle lock bolt that resembles a Luger or Borchardt pistol of the time, and is attributed to being manufactured by Francotte. German commercial crown proofs marked on the frame and barrel.”
Lot 326: European Luger/Borchardt Style Francotte Single Shot Pistol – Interesting and Very Rare European Luger/Borchardt Style Francotte Single Shot Target Pistol. (n.d.-h). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved November 30, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/87/326/european-lugerborchardt-style-francotte-single-shot-pistol.
