France: "Brurr Arq'r a Paris" any help ?

[model3sw]

If I read it correctly I have had (in the past) a New Model 3 and a Flobert pistol with a Paris barrel address.

it reads: "Brurr Arq'r a Paris"

Where these outfitters or S&W dealer / distributors ? Any further info on it.

I searched for one of the member here that checks in from France, I just can't find his most recent post.

 

[mmaher94087]

Try danalex.

 

[Patbar]

This marking means 'Brurr gunsmith in Paris', 'Arq'r' being an abbreviation of the word 'arquebusier' (which is the ancient word for 'armurier' in french), and 'Brurr' is simply the name of the gunsmith, almost certainly a dealer of S&W.

At the time, in France, almost all important firearms retailers/dealers had their name and address marked on the guns they sold.

What is a bit odd though is that Brurr is not a French name.

 

[JSR III]

Perhaps with old eyes and a poor imprint, Sal is miss reading the inscription. Is or was there any gun dealer with a name similar to "Brurr"?

 

[model3sw]

This marking means 'Brurr gunsmith in Paris', 'Arq'r' being an abbreviation of the word 'arquebusier' (which is the ancient word for 'armurier' in french), and 'Brurr' is simply the name of the gunsmith, almost certainly a dealer of S&W.

At the time, in France, almost all important firearms retailers/dealers had their name and address marked on the guns they sold.

What is a bit odd though is that Brurr is not a French name.

Thank you for your response. I have been waiting for a Frenchman to check in on this. The Name Looks like Brurr but hand engraved in script.

I will take a close up on the script later today to post it over. The Br seems clear enough, however, the next letters are very close to each other the last 2 that I take a rr might be a ur or wr. I'll post a close up of it later today. I'm on my way to a show now.

 

[red9]

Hi Sal,

The first gun I ever owned was a Flobert type rifle. Not knowing it was intended for a low power cartridge, I fired 22 LR and was impressed that it was auto-ejecting. My understanding is that the term "parlor pistol" refers to guns shooting less than 22LR, such as 4mm, BB & CB cap, for indoor use.
As you have seen, prices are all over the place. To me (but not reflected in some recent sales), a basic Flobert action pistol in good condition is a $300 gun. From there, pick an amount to add for above average wood carving (your larger pistol), above average engraving or inlay (your smaller pistol), adjustable rear sight, and set trigger. Even though Flobert was French, most Flobert action pistols and rifles were made in Belgium. A French or German made gun brings a premium.

Bob

 

[model3sw]

Hi Sal,

The first gun I ever owned was a Flobert type rifle. Not knowing it was intended for a low power cartridge, I fired 22 LR and was impressed that it was auto-ejecting. My understanding is that the term "parlor pistol" refers to guns shooting less than 22LR, such as 4mm, BB & CB cap, for indoor use.
As you have seen, prices are all over the place. To me (but not reflected in some recent sales), a basic Flobert action pistol in good condition is a $300 gun. From there, pick an amount to add for above average wood carving (your larger pistol), above average engraving or inlay (your smaller pistol), adjustable rear sight, and set trigger. Even though Flobert was French, most Flobert action pistols and rifles were made in Belgium. A French or German made gun brings a premium.

Bob

Thanks Bob. When I have time I suppose i have to remove the barrel to read a maker's or proof marks to properly identify. I may as well just list them and let them run with a small reserve. I have so much stuff that needs to have a new address.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to use my one and only box of .22 BB cap rounds to try them out by targeting some coconuts in the yard.

 

[danalex]

Hi Sal,
Everything made all right with Patbar, arq is the abbreviation of the former name for gunsmith. The name Brurr tells me nothing.
Have you a photo?

 

[danalex]

Can be Jules "BURY" ?

 

[Patbar]

Can be Jules "BURY" ?

No Dan, Jules Bury was in Belgium, not in Paris.

 

[model3sw]

Close up of Flobert Paris address:

 

[lechat]

Hi,

the case was like this one ?

Tres beau coffret de tir smith et wesson n°3 new model target - Revolvers (2997540)

or this one ?

Coffret de tir Smith et wesson n°3 44 Russian - Revolvers (2997469)

The name of your retailer was " Brun arquebusier à Paris"

Brun was the inventor of this gun:

Nouvelle page 0

Michel

 

[danalex]

for me "BRUN"

 

[model3sw]

This is a picture of that other cased set of Flobert's I saw online. I cannot post the auction as it is a live auction and against the rules of the forum.

 

[danalex]

Brun in Paris is not the same gunsmith that Brun Latrige has saint Etienne? No ?

 

[lechat]

I think it's the same.

The Brun production was in Saint Etienne but Brun was a big gunsmith for hunting gun and supplies with a catalog. Probably Brun have an adress in Paris.

I don't think many Brun are gunsmith.

But your right: it's not sure.