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Background and Early Life
- Birth and Education: Henri Pieper was born on October 30, 1840, in Soest, Westphalia, Germany. He received technical training in Soest and Warstein (locations) before emigrating to Belgium in 1859.
- Career Beginnings: After moving to Belgium, Pieper worked in Herstal, Verviers, and Liege, eventually settling in Liege where he began his career in arms manufacturing.
- Establishment: In 1866, Pieper established his own firearms manufacturing company in Liege, initially named "Henri Pieper." His business quickly grew, particularly after he purchased a barrel factory in Nessonvaux, which contributed to the production of some of Remington's finest double shotguns marked with 'HP.'
- Expansion: By 1870, his workshop on Bayard Street in Liege had expanded to occupy 6,000 square meters, and he was known for quality and moderately priced shotguns intended for export.
- Firearms: Pieper was renowned for manufacturing a variety of firearms:
- Shotguns: He produced numerous types, including single and multi-barreled, external hammer, and hammerless models.
- Revolvers: He developed several models, including the Pieper M1893, a double-action revolver carbine with a unique gas-seal system, which was notably supplied to the Mexican government for use by Rural Police.
- Rifles: He manufactured rifles like the Rolling Block and Martini system, among others.
- Patents: Pieper was granted 69 Belgian patents from 1861 to 1896, covering various aspects from shotguns and revolvers to cartridge designs.
- Trade Brands: Pieper's products were sold under many trade names including Bayard, Eagle Gun Works, E.Leroy, Modified Diana, The Leader, and numerous others, which reflects his business acumen in marketing firearms under different brands for various markets.
- Industry Associations: In 1887, he joined an association of Belgian arms manufacturers, which included other prominent names like Jules Ancion and the Nagant brothers, aiming to secure significant orders.
- Death: Henri Pieper died prematurely on August 23, 1898, at the age of 57.
- Posthumous Continuation: His company was renamed to Nicolas Pieper after his son took over, and later to Anciens Etablissements Pieper in 1905. The company continued until its closure in 1950.
- Restoration and Recognition: Pieper's firearms are still of interest to collectors and historians, with some of his work being restored and discussed in forums and by collectors. For instance, there are mentions of restoring Rolling Block rifles post-fire in California, indicating his guns' historical value and durability.