I'm continuing to compile a database of makers, barrel makers, marks, SN's etc 1880's to WWI. Here is a mystery for me. A "balance beam" trade mark on two different barrels. Any one have any idea what this means?
Example one, St. Etienne BLNE, 17.0 (16 ga), 6.5 chambers (in cm), double proofed for PT; SN is 23387 on gun, receiver, barrel. Here is the odd trademark: Above the "balance beam" TM appears to be the word "Depose"; below it (possibly) "Acier Comprese." It has to be post 1889 and pre 1913 (chambered in cm) and post c1900 (PT).
Example two: St. Etienne 18.2 (12 ga), 6.5 chambers (in cm), double proofed for PT. Ronchard Cizeron barrels (running rabbit mark on the barrel flats + the name). Gun SN on both receiver and barrel rib is 10,400. Above the "balance beam" TM appears to be the word "Depose" and below possible "Acier Tixphill"?? (second word unclear). It has to be post 1889 and pre 1913 (chambered in cm), and post c1900 (proofed for PT with the feathers). The gold medal could be the one given to Petrus at the 1904 St. Etienne exposition... meaning the barrel was made between 1904 and 1912 - or it could be one given to Ronchard-Cizeron in 1889 at the Universal Exposition (probably the latter since medaille d'or appears on RC barrels with Petrus's name).
There are two other identifying marks on this gun. Initial "D&C on the left barrel and "Choke Rectifie de Peuvel Petrus. Per this site, Petrus was a barrel maker, equipper, and barrel polisher before 1890. He received the Esoffier prize in 1895 and a gold medal at the 1904 St. Etienne exposition. He worked with Ronchard Cizeron and other prestigious arms makers.
https://www.pressreader.com/france/armes-de-chasse/20141216/281857231868305Appreciate any help on the "balance beam" (or maybe a machine press?) TM. Thanks.
Edit: The "Acier Compresse" is likely just a direct French translation of "Compressed Steel" which was used on the first Whitworth steel barrels in 1860's?Found a couple of more Ronchard Cizeron barrels, first is 6.5 with the "balance" mark - looks like the words below are "Acier Comprime." Second is "65". (one pre 1912, the other post 1912). the mark does look like a press of some sort. I wonder if this is yet another Cizeron mark to go with the running rabbit?
Acier comprimé = procédé pour augmenter les caractéristiques d'un acier donné par écrouïssage. On augmente surtout la limite élastique au détriment de l'allongement à rupture en consommant les dislocations et lacunes du réseau cristallin. A l'époque, on faisait ce traitement à chaud pour diminuer ou "supprimer" les défauts de compacité du matériau.
