Gene,
I’m not the French language expert, but, I believe it refers to the latest draft or version. There were several V patents and some of them were produced concurrently. Fabs term makes sense when considered in that light. I think it can also refer to grinding, as in a production setting.
I’ll put this caveat out out there again, for what seems like the millionth time-if that Darne was built for export, the chart means literally nothing. I am also a bit spooked by the U prefix not appearing anywhere else the serial number appears on the gun. Not that it detracts from the quality or beauty of this particular V20, but, that it leads to a question of why it might be misnumbered?
Lunch box gun, built many years after the markings went on the flats? A gun that had the barrels replaced?
I know of a few “fast ones” pulled by the last production team in regards to grades of old guns, but, I really don’t believe this was common practice at all through many years of production.
Best,
Ted
