That's a compelling argument, Ted, especially lack of the term, "Charlin Automatique" that I believe dates to the early 20s. Thus, the gun is likely not a Model A.
What I did not find in researching the sliding breech was when Louis Charlin started using some critter head or another to designate grade. We know he first used LC1 then appeared deer, tiger, dog, and, in the 1940s swallows or pigeons. If I'm not mistaken, stars were used in the 50s until the end of production by which time yet another company had bought the name.
Good news on the lack of ball bearings for your gun, ADK. Again, not sure when Charlin started using the ball bearings.
Regards, Tim