BERNARD Ernest
This gun, because of its multiple stamps, asks more questions than it answers them.
This is a side by side smoothbore shotgun , Lefaucheux pinfire type locks as well as double locking key .
Liege proof house STAMPS are:
STAR/ ELG in an oval: acceptance stamp -1846 to 1893.
STAR/M : countermark of the controller - 1877 to 1968.
EL in cursive letters: provisional test - 1852 until today.
Perron: inspection stamp from 1853 until today.
The manufacturer
Probably Ernest BERNARD, of Liege who registered two patents in 1864 and 1865.
The crowned E.B. in an oval could be his stamp.
Back then, French arms manufacturers used to come to Liege to acquire quality guns at low prices.
These guns were supplied ''in the white'', i.e. without any markings. The buyer could then put his name on them and it's probably what RIFFAUD in ROCHEFOUCAULD did here.
Riffaud, arms manufacturer in Larochefoucauld (Town of Charente - France).
The stamp ''CANONNIER'' does not mean anything to me; it was probably stamped later because it is placed OVER the Liege Proof House stamp.
GG
Small correction made by a visitor expert and warned:
I read that the purchaser of rifle made put his name: Riffaud de Larochefoucauld.
Actually it is about Riffaud arms manufacturer in Larochefoucauld (Town of Charente - France).
J.L.
Photos Littlegun
