Another one I need an ID on

[11Bravo]

I finally started looking at all we bought that Saturday. This S X S looks like the nicest of the 3 SxS in both condition and good looks. I pulled the barrels to see the proof marks, which I don't know what I'm looking at. The lock say's Paris but the proof mark looks like England to me. I'm just guessing but might be 14 ga.?
Thanks follks

 

[Rudyard]

Proof is Belgium gun likely got up for Parisien maker to retail , lock shape looks unusual at the front but fine .
Rudyard

 

[Feltwad]

I have restored several French made guns with the Belgian Proof marks , maybe the barrels were made in Belgium or other wise no proof house in France so the gun was sent to Belgium to be proofed
Feltwad

 

[TFoley]

I thought that the French proof house WAS in St Etienne?

 

[11Bravo]

Makes sense to me, it surprises me there was no proof house in France. If the bores clean up like I think they will I may shoot this one. Lite loads, just enough to break some clays at my club.

 

[Zonie]

I believe the 17,6 marking on the barrel is the bore size. If so, 17.6 mm = .693". That is exactly the size of a 14 guage barrel.

 

[11Bravo]

Yes Zonie, I figure that 17.6 was mm and was the bore also. The Westly Richards measures the same and from what I read 14 ga. is still popular in Europe. Looks like I'll make a punch on my lathe to make wads and cards if I try it out. I will use my hand held magnaflux to check for cracks first though and a few string pulls.

 

[Feltwad]

I have restored several French made guns with the Belgian Proof marks , maybe the barrels were made in Belgium or other wise no proof house in France so the gun was sent to Belgium to be proofed
Feltwad

View attachment 76255

My mistake yes there was a proof house but not compulsory most likely barrels were bought in from Belgium
Feltwad

 

[TFoley]

The Saint-Etienne Proof House was created by royal appointment in 1782. This comes from their own website. Belgium, per se, did not exist as a separate entity until 1831, so no doubt many guns made for sale in France were proofed in Liége, then, as now, a major city and gun-making centre.