This particular model is a waterfowl gun in 10 gauge and is the only model in that gauge and the only 10 gauge made. I searched around 10 -12 catalogs from 1935 to 1955 and there appear to be no others. It was not in the 1935 catalog, appeared in the 1938 and in no catalogs from 1947 or later. I surmise from that that it appeared after 1935 and must have ceased after 1939 due to the fall of France. Based on this I suspect it was only made for around 3 years. The serial # is 1922, indicating a production of around 2000 since the 1928 introduction. The highest number I could determine on all the listed guns for sale I could locate was in the low 4000's. I suspect that there were likely only 5000 made in it's approximately 40 year run. Of those I suspect the great bulk of those were 12 and 16 ga, being French. They were offered in about everything except, as far as I can determine, .410 bore.
I am still amazed at the smoothness and light action of this gun. The fit is incredible. I have a high grade Manufrance single from around 1929-30 and it is a blacksmith concoction compared to this gun. It.s design is brilliant with less than 40 total parts. Most simple designs are rough and barely functional.This is a minimalist design with almost perfect function and usefullness.
Last edited by AGS; 07/19/24 01:34 AM. Reason: Edited typos.
