I know of a guy who has a Auguste Francotte chambered in .416 Rigby (non engraved). Judging from what he told me its a Magnum Action. The gun has double set triggers, flip up leaf sights, an extra front sight in a compartment behind the trigger guard (that was how it was explained to me)I know that Francotte made Magnum Action calibers in their firearms. I just don't know if they ever made them in .416 Rigby. The Bluing is good,and they only thing that I know is changed is the the forearm tip was replaced with Hippo Hoof or something along those lines, as there was a problem with the original. The gun was carried in Africa for 20 years, and has taken a bunch of Buf and Ele's.

I was really thinking this could be a cool piece for my collection but I had some questions for you guys.

Did they make them in .416 Rigby?

Are they desirable as a collector piece? (I checked prices in Blue Book, but is there a market for them?

Is the Double set triggers and original thing?

Are there any thing that I should look for when appraising the gun, (besides the standard stuff)

What would be a price for something like this?

I can't really find much about them anywhere on the net, and need some help. If any of you know anything about this maker, and could help me it would be appreciated.

Auguste Francotte did build 416's on genuine Mauser magnum actions.
They were pretty much in the style of the original 416 Rigbys.
Don't know about the set trigger - kinda odd...

As far as a collector value, they are obviously not as desirable as the Rigby built guns but should still be quite valuable depending on all of the usual condition requirements.
The fact that they used genuine Mauser made actions is a plus in my opinion.
I have a Mahillon 416 which is very similar to the Francottes as well - they are great guns from either maker.
If your friend will take it out of the wood and give you the serial number, you can date the action - the action could be quite a bit older than the build date of the rifle though.