Previous manufacturer located in St. Etienne, France.
Francisque Darne was the eldest son of Regis Darne, who developed the sliding breech gun. In 1910, Francisque left his father's company to form his own, "F. Darne Fils Ainé," producing high quality versions of the original 1894 patent R model Darne. Regis Darne updated most of his designs in 1909 and allowed the older patents to become public domain.
Francisque Darne died in 1917, but his company remained in production until 1955 under at least four different owners. SIFARM, a combination of the manufacturers Berthon Freres, Francisque Darne, Didier-Drevet, Gerest, and Ronchard-Cizeron, was absorbed in 1963 by Verney-Carron, along with the famous Canonnerie (barrel makers) Jean Breuil.
As is usually the case, the earlier production guns are by far the highest quality. Wide variations in quality exist in this marque, depending on the financial health of the owners at the time of production.
Francisque Darne died in 1917, but his company remained in production until 1955 under at least four different owners. SIFARM, a combination of the manufacturers Berthon Freres, Francisque Darne, Didier-Drevet, Gerest, and Ronchard-Cizeron, was absorbed in 1963 by Verney-Carron, along with the famous Canonnerie (barrel makers) Jean Breuil.
As is usually the case, the earlier production guns are by far the highest quality. Wide variations in quality exist in this marque, depending on the financial health of the owners at the time of production.
F. DARNE FILS AINÉ Models
12 or 16 ga., an exact copy of the first Darne patent of 1894. Available in four grades.
12 or 16 ga., no quality stamps on barrel flats, standard French proof barrels, very light engraving, color case hardened.
12 or 16 ga., one quality stamp on barrel flats, somewhat more engraving, French gray hardened or color case hardened.
12 or 16 ga., double proofed barrels with two quality stamps on barrel flats, French gray hardening over modern or old English engraving.
12 or 16 ga., double proof barrels with four quality stamps on barrel flats, better quality wood in either English or semi-pistol grip, French gray hardening over elaborate engraving.
12 or 16 ga., barrels removed by holding a button on forend, two-piece stock, stylistic improvements to the 1894 patent R model, 4 grades, all were originally color case hardened, never blue.
10, 12, or 16 ga., 3 quality stamps on barrel flats, lightly engraved.
10, 12, or 16 ga., 5 quality stamps on barrel flats, higher quality wood stock, better engraving and wood.
12 or 16 ga., 6 quality stamps on barrel flats, monobloc barrels of superior French proof steel, better engraving and wood.
12 or 16 ga., 7 quality stamps on barrel flats, monobloc barrels of superior French proof steel, top-of-the-line T model.
12 or 16 ga., further tinkering with the 1894 R model, these located the barrels in a rectangular block cut near the flats. Two grades.
12 or 16 ga., wood stock, good quality engraving and wood, color case hardened or French gray hardened.
12 or 16 ga., better wood and engraving.
12 or 16 ga., based on the Model Fixed, these were top-of-the-line sliding breech guns in four grades.
12 or 16 ga., monobloc barrels, English or art nouveau style engraving, chisled fences.
12 or 16 ga., monobloc barrels, high grade wood stock, English rose and scroll engraving or game scene or art nouveau style.
12 or 16 ga., Pigeon model, monobloc barrels of top quality French proof steel, superior wood stock, engraved in English rose and scroll or deep chiseled art nouveau style.
monobloc barrels of top quality French proof steel. Top-of-the-line model with all details to customer's wishes. Very rare in any condition.
12 or 16 ga., modified and full choke on 70 cm barrels, semi-pistol grip or straight stock, simple case colored gun with no engraving and plain wood, two quality stamps.
12, 16, or 20 ga. with 70 cm barrels (two-piece stock on 12 and 16 ga.), lightly engraved with satin chrome receiver finish, Broussard model featured 80 cm barrels but was essentially the same, 3 quality stamps.
12, 16, or 20 ga., better engraving and one-piece stock of select walnut, French gray receiver, choice of barrel lengths in 12 ga. (70 cm, 72 cm, or 74 cm.) classic or modern style engraving, 5 quality stamps.
12, 16, or 20 ga., choice of barrel lengths in 12 ga. (70 cm, 72 cm, or 74 cm), plume (swamped rib) on Plume Model, plume rib and 76mm chambers included on Plume Magnum Model, one-piece stock of select walnut, classic or modern style engraving, 6 quality stamps, French grey receiver.
12 or 16 ga., choice of rib, straight grip or semi-pistol grip one-piece stock of select walnut, double sears in a large key action somewhat similar to the Darne V models stylistically, light engraving, 8 quality stamps, color case hardening.
12 or 16 ga., large key model with double sears. French gray finish on breech with excellent engraving, one-piece stock of good quality walnut, top-of-the-line production model, 10 quality stamps.
top-of-the-line custom gun, 72 cm barrels, monobloc barrels of Jacob Holtzer steel with plume swamped rib, straight grip one-piece stock of best quality walnut, large key action with silent operation and double sears, excellent full coverage engraving, 12 quality stamps.