There was an interesting article in the Double Gun Journal, Volume 17 issue 4 (Winter 2006) titled Manufacture Francaise's Masterpiece: The "Ideal" Shotgun. It was written by Martin Godio. It has some photos of the highest grade Ideal, the Perfection. That model doesn't have a grade number. Beautiful gun with what looks like drop points on the sides of the action.
Double Gun Journal Volume 12 issue 3 has an article titled The History of the Shotgun: A French Revolution by Gary Murphy. There is a photo of a pair of Ideals, one with Lunette trigger guards. That one has the safeties as an integral part of the triggers rather than as a slide that locks the triggers. Has anyone seen one of those? I too would love to find a double rifle Ideal. A two barrel set, 20 gauge/7x57R would be my "Ideal" combo.
Would anyone know what type of leather was used for the retractable sling? The leather was badly frayed when I got mine so of course it slipped out of my fingers the first time I pulled it out. It retracted with enough force to rip the metal end off. The leather is in pretty bad shape and I would like to replace it. To be expected with 111 year old leather I guess.
Last edited by Northern Bob; 11/11/09 04:56 PM.
