Darne originated the concept of using steel, forgings, in the case of his guns, not damascus, for the barrels, ribs and sub-assembly monoblock, in 1902. The patent issued to him was not refered to as a monoblock, either, but, as "Canons Frettés".
Pieper, using damacus for both, had an obsolete design almost before his patent was issued, at least where French gunmaking was concerned-damascus, was pretty much a thing of the past by 1881 in St. Etienne. The French got out of Damascus a few decades before anyone else, and were involved in getting US companies out of it at the turn of the century.
My Charlins always had plain, brazed barrels. Bodio speaks more French then me (I can say "I'm hungry" and curse at a waiter, more than enough for my travels in France) but, when in Rome, or, fly-over USofA, Ideal works for me.
Best,
Ted
