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
