From what I learned here, my poor French, and what I learned on the Darne forum I have listed below. I was told over on the Darne forum that the V with crown is an English mark for reproofing. It looked identical to one I found on the web describing reproofing of guns in England.
Is a dovetail lump a cheap way to finish a gun, or is it just another method with no real disadvantage?
Also found out M&P is a barrel maker who bought out Fanget.
Here are my findings. If anyone sees anything wrong or can help on the unidentified symbols I appreciate the comment.
Lettering on Barrels
1. Qualite Depose Super Bure with knight symbol= Super Quality trademarked Bore (barrel)-The symbol of the knight with shield and sword is the trade mark?
2. Acier Inexplosible= Steel will not blow up.
3. Crochet Encastre= Hook with the base braised into the action block.
4. Canon Fanget= Fanget was the barrel maker
5. Canon De Surete Double Peruffe= Safety Barrels (basically saying barrels were safe to use for construction of the gun)
6. 65= Serial Number
7. G=?
8. 18.4= 12 Bore
9. Double palm leafs and crown repeated twice with the name St Etienne= Double Proofed at St. Etienne
10. M&P = Merley and Pouly “barrel maker who took over Fanget” located in Andrezieux
Lettering on Barrel Flats
11. Choke Rectifie Marsot= Regulated Chokes by Marsot (Company or Builder)
12. Fermeture Integrale= Integral locking mechanism of the action.
13. Portee Garante= Range is Guaranteed. I do not know what the range would be.
14. “SPIROBLOC”= Maybe the type of action?
15. Crown with PT under it= Smokeless Proof using powder T after 1900
16. 65= 2 ½” chamber length
17. Crown with V under it repeated twice= double reproof mark performed in England after it left France.
18. Dragon riding an Arrow= Trade Label of maker possibly? If so who?
Lettering on Trigger Bow
19. Gatimel Marseille= The outfitter who sold the gun in Marseille which still is active.
