Yeah, but I would have to see the date, but French proofmarks were not compulsory since 1885 & the Paris Proof facility came online in say 1897?? From what I read from multiple sources, the makers depended on Bernard, who was noted as making 2000 tubes a year, to set the tone & then the marks advertised on their wares so to convince the average French hunter that they were purchasing a quality piece on par with any other country.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse