Baker Twist

[Mark Landskov]

Is this 'One Iron Crolle Twist'? Baker called them 'English Stub Twist' and 'English Twist Barrels' in two different brochures dating from around 1890-ish. Which of Baker's names would be correct? Or is it moot, considering the grand scheme of things back when gun manufacturers were trying to 'one up' each other? As always, cheers!

[Drew Hause]

It's not Stub Twist but Baker "Best London Damascus Twist"; a One Iron Crolle-Twist laminate used on mostly B but an occasional A grade and also found on Lefever H grades and L.C. Smith Maker Baker guns

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/18020839/370846404.jpg

[Mark Landskov]

....and they digest RSTs very well! I can't wait to take it out after the ruffed grouse.

[Dean Romig]

Drew, that rib matting in your picture looks like Parker Bros. matting - is it a Parker?

You also refer to "used mostly on B but an occasional A grade".... Again, are you refering to Parker guns?

[Drew Hause]

Sorry Dean - it's a Baker as was the reference to A and B grades; and Baker Gun & Forging had several rib matting styles

A grade

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/18020839/271046270.jpg

A grade

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/18020839/290623126.jpg

Leader

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/18020839/271046146.jpg

[Dean Romig]

Thanks Drew.

[Drew Hause]

Brad Bachelder posted this P grade toplever hammergun with DamascusTwist - the only one I've seen

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/17227428/386972891.jpg

[Dave Suponski]

Drew, I find this interesting. Can you describe damascus twist or show a reference to the process? Thanks!

[Drew Hause]

This document discusses Twist methodology at length. For Damascus-Twist, the maker mixed in a twisted rod (One iron crolle) with the untwisted...uh...Twist rods :banghead:

http://docs.google.com/a/damascusknowledge.com/Doc?id=dfg2hmx7_40dxk2scc7

[Dean Romig]

Drew, do you know if the barrel tubes are stamped with a "P" or a "PB" immediately forward of the flats? Maybe the example barrels are too late but it appears the tubes are made up of different sections.

[Drew Hause]

Hopefully Brad can help us Dean.
I agree that the distal segment of the right tube poorly matches the breech (thicker) segment. Tubes were usually made up from 2 or 3 segments.

This is a dramatic example of mismatched tube segments; a Remington 1900 KD with a clear transition (and weld line) from 'Oxford 2 S.J.' Two Iron Crolle at the breech to a 'Boston 2 S.J.' distally, on both tubes.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/18015717/284854005.jpg

More examples here http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/18015717

[Dave Suponski]

Drew, Thank You!

[Brad Bachelder]

Drew
My guess is that the individual straight ribands were made and stockpiled prior to the wrapping and welding step.
The makers identified the pattern by swiping with Sulfuric Acid. This will show a faint pattern. I have noticed that stub twist and Damascus twist look the same with the Acid test. The fine pattern of Damascus twist does not come out untill well in the finishing process. This could explain the mix up in Ribands during the wrapping step. The mix up would not be noticed until the finishing process.

Brad