Mr. Buckley: They are, went through London Proof in 2021 to 850 BAR.
It always takes me a while to recognise laminated steel but that's what these tubes are. Not quite as pretty as Damascus but nearly always stronger.
Interesting lock-up on this gun as well, a single bite J. Thomas Patent gun (#324 of 1870). Can't date this gun exactly as information for the Blissett guns is limited. Nigel Brown's book seems to be the best source but even it has challenges (ie., insufficient serial number data points). Using the top rib name and address and the Thomas's Patent date this gun was likely completed in the very early 1870s.
The serial number (1108) would have it being made in 1832 which is clearly not the case.
Love those percussion fences...
& those close and high hammers.
Correction, just got the barrel flats examined by youger eyes than mine, this gun went through London proof in 1991.
Threaded Mode