So, to come back to the Lebeau brothers. They seemed to enjoy some reputation in Liege, anyway, if they were "recommended", and could attract investors. Yet, their story seems to be filled with court action, bankrupcies and partners opting out of partnership. How would that impact their reputation in Liege? We know that for the Brits in early XIX century a bancruptcy was a stigma - even the great Joe Manton couldn't get on his feet again. Were Liege gunmakers of the late XIX century more bancruptcy tolerant?
Another question - how about the analysis of sporting/weaponry press? That usually doesn't say anything about how good a maker is, but is a good indication of how well-known. Were there any gun/hunting magazines in 1860-1890 Belgium?
