There seem to be some interesting parallels with this story and the A&D patent disputes. I understand V-C lost most (all?) of their historical records in a flood (I think you told me that, Larry). That is a shame because I bet there is an interesting story to be told that would shed some light on the French gunmaking industry - which remains overshadowed by its English and Continental competitors (at least here in the US).

Of course, losing a couple of world wars does nothing to fortify your national reputation for gun-making, either . . . .

Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there.