When I took possession of the Halifax, it was still equipped with this sling:
I've seen the remains of a few of these, over the years. This one is probably in the best shape of those, but, it is in poor enough condition to be completely un-usable, it is leather that is 100 years or so old, after all. If it didn't come with the gun, it came fairly soon after, but, I'd bet it was on the gun right from day one. It does give one an idea of what the typical sling looked like on lower grade French hunting implements, circa early 1900s, and that makes it worth noting. While light in weight, the strap is narrow enough to be just this side of useless. No adjustability is possible, the brass rivets insert through the slit, and line up in the two holes in the ends of the leather. It is fairly quickly removed from the gun, probably why most guns are missing them.
In all the years I have been playing with these French Darne guns, I have never owned the exact combination of features in one that I would prefer. I'd really like a 76mm chamber, 29" barrel 20, with a straight stock, in the "Galwi" style, (perch belly) with IC and Mod chokes, flag safety, swamped rib, checkered rosewood buttplate (ebony will do if rosewood isn't allowed anymore) bretelle Darne, and, since I'm dreaming a bit, R15 rosace engraving by either Miss. Ariel Recrux, or Mr. Guy Ripamonte. Or, Mr. Petiot, who I met at the technical school in St. Etienne when he had retired, to teach engraving. Since he was the master, I'd like the barrels and taper chokes to have been cut by Mr. Paul Bruchet, RIP.
Guess I'll go shoot this one. Sadly, probably as close as I'll get, from where I am today.
Best,
Ted
