Folks,
While looking at the Bernard barrel making history, I came upon a document which explains the mystery of the Paris proof house.
I knew that the proof somehow stopped being required in the late 1800s, but did not know why and when, and when did it restart.
Anyways, here is the time line:
9/14/1810: proofing becomes mandatory in France. The proof house is in St-Etienne.
6/19/1865: A proof inspector position is created in Paris. The inspector does not have a "house" and works at each gunmaker's shop.
8/14/1885: a new law makes the sale and manufacturing of weapons of all kind "free from all regulations" (oh boy). Therefore, it kills the proofing requirements.
The Paris proof inspector goes, but St-Etienne stays on a voluntary basis.
In 1894, problems arise from Belgium: unproved French guns and parts going through Belgium are seized and holders prosecuted due to the lack of proof. The situation is not workable.
11/7/1895: The Paris Chamber of commerce is authorized to set a proof house.
7/1/1899: The proof house is operational *in L. Bernard's facility at 129 rue de Versailles, Paris*. (So much for the reported death of Bernard's operation in 1890).
The Paris mark is recognized in Germany, Belgium, London and Birmingham.
It seems that the proofing was still voluntary at that point. However, it looks like most everybody used it. Of course Bernard should have been as it was most convenient for him.
Best regards,
WC-
