Apprenticeship training in France, late 1800's
http://books.google.com/books?id=WadJAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA255&dq=gunsmith+apprenticeship&lr=
Apparently France had established technical schools well in advance of Belgium and many other countries. A school was founded in Reims in 1875. The apprenticeship lasted 3 years, without pay. Gunsmith apprentice had to learn the forge and fitting, then was able to choose gunsmith as a speciality. If a student graduated in good standing, he was given a set of tools.

Apprenticeship training in Quebec, 1700's
http://books.google.com/books?id=IOG6fyobIf8C&pg=PA180&dq=gunsmith+apprenticeship&lr=
The Canadians entered into a contractual arrangement that lasted 3 years. The Canadian apprentice was paid.

Apprenticeship in Colonial New York.
http://books.google.com/books?id=eJIVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA91&dq=gunsmith+apprenticeship&lr=
While not a gunsmith contract, this is still interesting...
Quote:
This Indenture Witnesseth that John Campbel'Son of Robert Campbell of the City of New York with the Consent of his father and mother hath put himself and by these presents doth Voluntarily put and bind himself Apprentice to George Brownell of the Same City Schoolmaster to learn the Art Trade or Mystery . . . for and during the term of ten years. . . . And the said George Brownell Doth hereby Covenant and Promise to teach and Instruct or Cause the said Apprentice to be taught and Instructed in the Art Trade or Calling of a Schoolmaster by the best way or means he or his wife may or can.

So, an apprentice was considered an indentured servant and subject to the laws relating to indenture and Poor Law.

Pete

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