Gentlemen
The main difference between the "old" and the "new" doubles is $$$$$$$$ Money. New steel is better, we can all agree there. But the main difference is the way new doubles are made. You cannot make them like the old days because no one could afford them. I dare say even the craftsmen of the current British Companies do not employ the same skill as the British craftsmen in the early 1900's. Mainly because if time, time is $$$$ Money. Most of the new doubles are the way they are because they are made with modern techniques so the "common man" can afford one. Compared to a working grade new H&H or Weatley Richards the Merkel Krieghoff, Chapuis Searcy, ETC are good buys for the dollar.
The BEST rifle buy on the Planet today is an original British "working grade" double rifle.

If all "them" new double rifle companies would just copy the dimensions, feel, etc of my 450 No2, or my 450/400 or 400 Nitro's 450/400 they would have a great handling rifle made with modern manufacturing methods, at a price we could afford.
Why they do not do this is beyond me.