around 1900 english doubleguns were the highest standard form russia to the united states, around the world.
for anyone who had the money and want to show other he had it. today it would have been the most modern car or the newest electronis gimic you buy for insane money just to show off.
german gunmaker in this time allways lament about this "anglomanie" and assure they could build similar if the customers were willing to pay the same cracy prices they pay for english doubleguns without problems because it was ala mode.