An old thread, very worthy to be upheld and continued. The unique term shows up every now and then in this forum, and I only learned it from here in fact.
I just acquired a very nice and elegant French 16/65 side-by-side made by François Soleilhac (Stéphanois, of course). This maker is probably best known for his Darne clones, but also had an output of traditional juxtaposés. I am curious how common or uncommon this style was in France?
What amazes me, is the excellent condition, and the stylish very dark blueing with fine gold lines and small engraving, rather upscale nice walnut with fiddleback streaking, but purposefully not fancy and loud.
If the oxymoron be allowed, a clear case of "ostentatious understatement". 😏😉
Carcano
