At a quick glance the fuzzy marks are post July 30th, 1897 Paris preliminary marks and subsequent final proof marks with L Bernard's makers mark. I'd guess it was fabricated in Paris. The brace of crowned sailboat in a shield may note re-enforced proof of longarm.

The encircled EP is a Paris mark and not Pieper in this case. Brace usually denotes re-enforced proof of tube.

Kind Regards

Raimey
rse