One thing I failed to include and could account for the "trade guns" or be a stretch for an answer is that the Geselle stayed under the roof of the Master until either the Geselle married or climbed the proverbial gunsmith ladder. Not all Geselle continued the climb and the Journeymen group increased in size but the number of the Masters either stayed the same or declined. And some of the Wars could have accounted for Master losses. So there became a contingent of Geselle who looked out for their own interests. So if haven't received your Lehrbrief and weren't a Master would you put your name on a weapon? Is it akin to practicing without a license? Did you have to be a Master in order to apply your name, other than firearms merchant? Pure conjecture for now.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse