Those crazy Brit's

[Brad Bachelder]

I was under the impression that the term "Fine Damascus" referred to a fine pattern. Obviously not. L.C.'s demonstrate large "whorls", but these are the largest that I have seen.
Note the top rib has at least two types of iron, giving the three color contrast These tubes are strange but still beautiful, like a Boston pattern on steroids.

Brad

[Drew Hause]

Since no European and British Union for the Standardization of the Nomenclature of Damascus and Twist Barrels existed in the late 1800s, makers could call their barrels pretty much whatever they wanted :)

Some more BIG English "Two Stripe" here http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/18059733

The British seemed to use the top rib for a bit of tasteful embellishment, and that rib is very attractive.
Lots of ribs here, many courtesy of a Parker guy
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/21182597 and
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfg2hmx7_293fxzspwc3

[Harry Collins]

Brad,

That is a beautiful restoration.

Harry

[Drew Hause]

David Purnell's 1884 12g Top Lever with LARGE scroll "English Three Stripe" refinished by Dale Edmonds

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/17227428/363181027.jpg

[Bill Murphy]

Both of the Parkers on which I have seen this "big" pattern have been Grade 1 hammer guns. A Grade 1 with Damascus barrels is a scarce item. Maybe Parker Brothers regarded the big pattern as inferior, choosing to install them on guns that would otherwise have Twist Steel barrels. The letter on my Grade 1 Damascus gun does not show an upcharge for Damascus.