I have brought in from France the Napoleon hat , strap, safety, two 16ga Ideals, and assisted others with the acquisition of a few more. Parts for Ideals are readily available on NaturaBuy, though France apparently changed their gun laws last August and the guns themselves and barrels (I have brought in two sets of barrels in the white) are more difficult to get now. There should be (but rarely, absent) markings in mm just before the barrel flats. For a 16ga, the number is anywhere from 16.9 through 17.2. Manufrance typically slightly overbored their tubes, and had very tight chokes. Right would average around .028, and the left in the mid to high 40's. That would be what was indicated by choke and demi choke. Normal means standard chamber length, 65mm. That wreath of laurel leaves is the quality of the barrels/steel, and the best ones (I have only seen up to five laurel wreaths) are proofed to higher pressures. As Geo said, look at old threads for a wealth of information, and there are posts of French proof marks. I have four sets of 16ga barrels, and they run about .669 with a new BWT of .038 9" in. The finished bore diameter is very helpful to determine if the bores have been honed.
Above all, welcome to the Club Fusil Francophile. They are great guns.
Mike
