WC,
Hope you got to a warm part of Europe, anyway.

Thanks for the info on the barrels. There are some clues as to the guns origin, but, I was hoping for clues that led us in the direction of what model the gun actually is.
I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say you prefer this guns "release" as compared to the "normal" one-the "key", or, opening lever simply pulls up on a V grade, and the little tab at the back and bottom of the culasse on an R is almost invisible.

The culasse on a P is not easily removable, and requires tools to do so.

A quick review on taking down a V action Darne, for anyone who hasn't had their hand's on one this week:

http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=356335&page=1

I've never seen anything like it, however, and I wonder if an enterprising (and talented) gunsmith took a close look at an existing P grade gun and modified it to what we see here today? I can't think of a compelling reason to do that, but, that might not stop someone else.

Darne grade guns were well sorted in the catalogs by 1900, another mystery.

Thanks for the input, and, for keeping an eye on Larry.

Best,
Ted