I think one of the big issues is that Rollin White, bored through cylinder, did not fallow through with obtaining Patents in many of the countries that he should have.
This would not have helped with the Pin Fire type arms in France, which were patented, before Rollin White. And may be the cause for him not proceeding with his patent in France.
However, it does not keep Rollin White from having S&W going after them with his Patent Infringments.
My best,
Blair