> I asked the following after making a smartalek remark to JG about his
> linings:
>
> > Why is it called French Fitting?
>
> So, Does anyone know? Or do I have to have the arrogance of an
> ebeniste' cabal leader before I can find out?
>
> -Ted
Don't know for sure, but the earliest and commonest reference to the term
that I know about refers to cased pistols and their accessories. From the
17th Cent. , at least, the French were considered to be the finest makers
of custom handguns, which were cased in beautifully made veneered and
inlayed boxes which had fitted compartments lined with velvet. I've
encountered English auction references to such goods as being in French
fitted cases from the early 19th cent. I don't know when the term was first
adopted. Don't know what the French called the cases, but fitted cases of
all kinds, made in England and elsewhere, were commonly referred to by the
term both in the US and England throughout the latter half of the 19th and
the 20th cent.
Bruce
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