Having used my Darne R-16 10 bore against guinea fowl, pigeon, sand grouse and sporting clays, I keep an eye out for the sliding breech topic. Ted S was good enough to start my early eductation on Darne and Charlin.
The other day I acquired an eight page brochure from F. Darne who calls himself "Oldest Son" and helps calibrate his place in the scheme of things. I've offered the interesting brochure to Abby to copy for Cornell Publications holdings. It is undated but describes the new model 1922. The production listed is (free translation from the French with some holes!)
--Model "Populaire" number 54, 12 & 16 gauge, barrels from 68-70, single "poudre T" proof. no automatic ejectors, price 540 francs
--Model "Classique" with automatic ejectors in gauges 12, 16,20 with 10 and 24 available at an extra 30 francs. Made in five grades from A to E.
-- --A some engraving, final proof Powder T. 650 francs
-- --B F. Darne Fils barrels, fine engraving light gun,final proof Powder T. 700francs
-- --C F. Darne Fils barrels, longitudinal polished barrels, piston decoupe (??),English engraving, French gray, final proof Powder T. 780 francs
-- --D as in C but with superior shot results (likely careful barrel regulation), final proof Powder T. 820 francs
-- --E barrels of choice F. Darne Fils, final proof powder T. 900 francs
Then we have the Model T 1922 in five grades, numbers 32-36. This follows on the Model T created in 1920 that he describes as "putting into play the latest progress in modern ballistics whether in applying the new principles for animating barrel-making, or in using the power of modern powders..." a reinforced action, illustrated are obturating discs. The grades vary according to engraving, finish (trempe jaspe) that is likely case color or French gray (gris mat) with prices ranging from 940, 1100, 1400, 1750 and 2000 francs.
--Model Fixe Darne Fils Aine is not subjec to lateral movement due to improvement in the action. It's two grades are number 3 and number 4. wood is very beautifil in no. 3, lightweight. 1,500 francs.
No 4 is finished with extra care and includes a "mi-bloc grande marque?) 1,650 francs.
Model Platines (lockplates) Darne Fils Aine. His Highest grade that uses detachable locks. Designation numbers continue from the Model Fixe as No. 5 2,200 francs, No. 6, No. 7 and No. 8. All have "mi-bloc" barrels (demi-bloc?) English or art nouveau engravings, with chiseled pistons(?). No. 7 is a special model for pigeon shooting. No. 8 is a "representation of all possible perfection." 3,200 francs.
Finally, the brochure closes with an illustration and description of the shotgun "Rotary" that carries a modest price and uses fixed barrels and a swiveling action. It's grades range from Number 11 to Number 16, all proofed for powder T. with 14 carrying two stamps, 15 carrying four stamps and 16 carrying five stamps (poincons). Prices start at 450 francs and end at 640 francs
Regards
