Some of the most beautiful work of this craftsman, and many others, are in this book “Liège Gunmakers through their Work. 1800 - 1950”.

For more detail see: LIEGE GUNMAKERS

Bayet Frères

Here a beautiful shotgun, "English" stick, with many engravings of gold animals, signed Frères Bayet Btés in Liege, with central percussion, backlock, key Lefaucheux closing, whose Damas barrels are signed of the gunner Léopold Bernard of Paris.

According to the information provided by the happy owner, the weapon would be dated from 1872 and gauge 16. The photographs sent don't enable us to confirm this assertion. I regret also the absence of photographs of markings/punches on the barrels, just as of photographs of the hammers, which could have given an indication on the fact that the weapon raises - possibly - patent 39843 of 1876 (what is not very probable since the weapon would be gone back to 1872), which would justify the "Btés" mention (patented). Unless it is simply about a mention that the Brothers Bayet (V. and Jules), taken again with the proofhouse of Liege between 1860 and 1881, indeed six patents deposited.

As for the marked barrels Léopold Bernard, gunner in Paris (Passy), it is difficult for us to say if it is about Bertrand-Germain-Léopold Bernard, manufacturer of barrels of rifles in Paris starting from 1823 until 1877. He manufactured starting from 1840 the barrel Damas “Léopold Bernard”. One will consult with interest the saga of this famous family in Jarlier/Buigné. The same book announces also a gunner Léopold Bernard active to Paris between 1870 and at least 1877. Perhaps the same person?

GP

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