There are those who feel the need to prove that European parts were used to make-up the English gun.
Makes you wonder why?
So, you think the Brummie big mass-producers, like Westley, Greener and Scott brought-up rough Belgian actions?
Perhaps you should obtain a copy of:
"No. 650 Miscellaneous Series.
Diplomatic and Consular Reports.
Belgium.
Report on the Arms Industry of Liege.
Foreign Office.
Presented to both Houses of Parliment by Command of His Majesty, May, 1906." Price Sevenpence Halfpenny.
By Consul-General Sir Cecil Hertslet (Recieved at the Foreign Office April 28, 1906.)
This was an age of protective tariffs. The author specifically mentions the American McKinley Act. It obviously hurt the British makers. While he includes figures for the number of barrels tested by the Liege proof house, he states that Belgian customs only records weights of exports and excludes that from his report. He is concerned with the perception of British guns. He feels that Belgian labor costs are cheaper, p25
"100 tons of damascus steel are exported for the use of makers in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, etc." "156,000 double barrels are produced annually." p.17 358,396 doubled barreled guns were proofed. p28 He mentions other parts but gives no figures.
I purchased it because it documents the Belgian proof marks in use for 1906.
Pete
