FSP,
Actually, in production at the time of the earliest Darne catalog in my possesion (1907), was a design called the model A Darne, which had a breech that flipped up on a hinge at the back of the breechblock. If one follows the patent dates, it actually came prior to either the model C rotating breech gun, or the model R.
I handled a model A in St. Etienne, which I might have bought if it had steel barrels. While unique, I can't see any advantage in the design, other than it was trim, and could be fitted with actual ejectors, if one goes for that 'sort of thing.
I prefer to pocket my emptys, not search for them in the dirt.
Best,
Ted
