I'd best let FAB comment on the proof marks (I don't know what the double "E" in a diamond means).
There is no model number but the arrow proof is by Manufrance factory themselves for finished guns sanctioned by the Saint Etienne proof house after I think 1926? FAB already said the gun was 1933 or earlier so 1926-1933. Most of that imprint is advertising of a sort.
Cal .16 normal = 16 gauge, 65mm chambers (2 1/2").
That choke is pretty tight .0024. - same as on both barrels of my 1926 "Wonder." I am told the traditional French stock of the era had a LOP of 13 1/4"...no idea whether that is true or not.
The serial number 74607 might help a bit though those records were lost and Mournetas' charts for dating the Ideal and Robust concentrated on model numbers. Have no idea what might be in his book on the Simplex.
Anyway a fun investigation and a neat gun. I might have to think about going back to a single barrel. I actually seem to shoot them better.
Last edited by Argo44; 12/02/22 09:34 AM.
