Help Identifying Shotgun

[vanderblack]

I was given my grandfathers double barrel 16 gauge shotgun by my mom. My grandfather passed away nearly 50 years ago so only rumors about the gun remain. Story has it that a farmer in France gave the gun to my grandfather during WW2. He brought the gun back to the states and hunted with it the remainder of his life. I am so happy to have been give this heirloom. I only have a few fading memories of my grandfather. Someday I will share his amazing store of how he fled Hungary at the age of 14, alone to come to the US. Lied about his age and joined the army. Fought in WW1 and 2. Anyway, I am trying to learn what I can about the shotgun. It does not seem to have a manufacture stamp but I was able to get photos of stamps in the barrel. I know that the ACILR Special means it was 'special steel' but I don't know what is mean by that. Would anyone have info based on the photos below? The last photo shows the gun next to a 16 gauge that was manufactured in Belgium. Not much is know about the Belgium gun either, however, the similarities between the 2 guns is remarkable.

 

[Acer-m14]

give the Cody museum a ring or hit up forgotten weapons guys .. Forgotten Weapons

 

[GUNSICK]

http://www.damascus-barrels.com/files/Damascus-Barrels_dot_com_French_Proofmarks.pdf

It’s French. There were thousands of French smiths but most firearms were built by guilds at the time so it makes hard to ID.

 

[cgrutt]

Nice gun. Some info here might help narrow it down. Appears to have been made in city of St Eitenne there was large manufacturer of guns and bicycles there. 65 means 2.5" chamber. Some of the proof marks seem to be on table on attached. There is also some discussion about the AICLR in comments. Good luck! Shotgunworld.com • Help me date this Manufrance Robust No. 6