Odd that 65 would be the SN, but I don't see another one anywhere else.
I've seen a lot of French doubles with 65MM chambers and no "normal" mark. According to Kennett, it was in effect from 1924-62; however, in the text of that article, he also states that it was an either-or thing--either the chamber length in MM or "normal" if 65MM. Since this one has the 65 stamp, that would mean "normal" was not required.
With it penciled on the stock, the number on the forend, watertable, underside of the right tube, etc., I would definitely say it is the serial number and as I posted earlier quite curious and possibly 1 of a small handful where the chamber length and serial number were the same. The "65" on the flats is for the chamber only. For now I think the probability to be very near zero for the "Crown" over "V"s stamps to be of British origin.
Where might one find the text by the Kennett cat?
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
