I noticed an interesting detail in the photos of your rifle.
The top rib is clearly marked "Masquelier Liège", which means it is actually a Masquelier-built double rifle, although it is closely connected to Jules Bury.
I recently came across some historical information showing that Charles Masquelier acquired Établissements Bury-Donckier in 1964, including the brand, workshop, tooling, unfinished actions, technical drawings and order books. Masquelier continued building fine sporting arms using Bury's designs and craftsmanship, and many rifles from that period reflect this close connection.
So your rifle appears to be a nice example of that transition from Bury-Donckier to Masquelier. A very interesting piece of Liège gunmaking history.
Wolfgang (Hunting-Heritage.com)
Here is the complete overview of the collaboration and takeover between the Liège gunmakers J. Bury and Charles Masquelier in English.
Historical Background
* Établissements Bury-Donckier (1938): The renowned Liège gunmaker Jules Bury merged with Marcel Donckier in 1938 to form Établissements Bury-Donckier. The firm was globally respected for high-grade side-by-side shotguns and double rifles (often built on Anson & Deeley or Holland & Holland sidelock mechanisms).
* 1960s Market Context: By the early 1960s, like many traditional craft workshops in Liège, Bury-Donckier faced structural pressures, succession issues, and rising operational costs in custom hand manufacturing.
The 1964 Takeover by Masquelier
* Acquisition: In 1964, Charles Masquelier (Manufacture d’armes de luxe C. Masquelier, based on Rue de la Cathédrale in Liège) acquired the Établissements Bury-Donckier.
* Assets Transferred: Masquelier acquired the brand, trade names, and rights of Jules Bury / Bury-Donckier, as well as:
* Complete sets of tools, dies, and workshop machinery.
* Remaining inventory (unfinished actions, barrels, high-grade walnut blanks).
* Technical drawings, original order books, and patents.
Post-1964 Production & Markings
* Manufacturing: Masquelier continued producing luxury firearms using Bury’s designs, components, and craftsmanship techniques.
* Markings & Engravings:
* Firearms finished shortly after 1964 using original Bury action forgings or parts are often engraved or stamped "C. Masquelier Successeur de J. Bury" or "Ets. Bury-Donckier - C. Masquelier".
* Subsequent builds carried combined trade names or Masquelier’s official Liège proof-house trademarks alongside legacy Bury styling.
Developments from 1980 Onward
* In 1980, gunmaker Roger Cremer took over the Masquelier firm.
* Under Cremer, the entity formally traded under the corporate name Masquelier & Bury-Donckier S.A., operating in Liège as both a fine gunmaker producing bespoke hunting arms and a retail establishment for hunting accoutrements.
