Or they just might have liked the way it looks lots of french grey receivers out there. Model 21's with full beaver tail forends, and high combs in light birdseye maple , everyone has different tastes.

I have a French 16ga that was plated, action and barrels said to have come off of a ocean liner and was used to shoot clays off the fantail, plating to protect it from the salt air. The barrrels have been polished so often the only plating left is under the forend.

After the first shot the rest are just noise.