Just to close this thread, FAB reported that the Manufrance gun SN records exist and are kept at Archives Departmentales de la Loire. He also said that it has been several years since they have responded to emails or written correspondence. FAB said to find the records you are looking for, you'll have to go to St. Etienne directly. Unlike British archives, who will do the research for you for a charge, the French apparently regard such arrangements as unseemly capitalism.

After Two emails and a snail letter, I've received absolutely nothing back from Loire Archives. I guess that's the way it is until someone changes the bureaucratic mindset there.

Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch