They aren't old, Larry. "Non pour la balle" appears on French guns to this day-if, they are choked too tight for ball type slugs, in the opinion of the proof house.
I'm not a fan of Mr. Pitiot's bold game scene engraving. The cover gun on Drumming Stump catalogs shows a V22 that Mr. Pitiot did in a style that is best called, "fantasy floral", which, is much, much more to my tastes.
As to price, consider that I could have owned the above V22, in 12 gauge, with ivory buttplate and forend tip, in a case, for about 5 large-and I don't. Consequently, I am likely to be the last person to ask if,(what 22 or 23 large?) is a good price for a pair of guns which I don't like the action (V style) or engraving on.
I never got the concept of a matched pair of doubles, when there exists a speedfeed Browning A5, or an early model 12 that holds 7 rounds of 2 1/2" 20 gauge ammunition. The only possible reason to show up with a matched pair of Darnes at an English driven shoot is you know the Queen will be there, and, for some reason, you really feel the need to insult her, and her countryman.
I'm stunned when I see a price like that. But, I'm stunned that Vulcan ejector Parkers in 16 go for 3-4 large as well, and decent condition R10s get close to 2 large. Throw in the beating the dollar has taken the last several years, and my eyes glaze over, and I start thinking about having a beer.
Out of the loop, on price. That's me.
Best,
Ted
