Chapuis and Merkel are both production grade guns of similar quality. In my experience the Chapuis will be better finished, especially the wood. I am not familiar with a Chapuis PH-1, is this the same as the Brousse model? If it is the same as the Brousse $14,500 sounds strong (you can get a made to your specifications Verney-Carron PH or Std model for less pdf catalog here www.verney-carron.us ).
If you can live with a 500NE, I have a like new with box and paperwork Merkel, game scene engraved, double triggers, ejectors for $8750 shipping paid to your FFL in the first 48 states.