Damascus Fabrication Video
 

If you own a gun with Damascus BBLs, you need to see this;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa9dlvRDuQU

Makes me appreciate those beautiful barrels that much more, a tremendous amount of work for what in those days was not much money if you were an apprentice, Gary

I am amazed those guys working hot metal without gloves. They must have asbestos hands.

I ordered one over a month ago, has not shown up yet. Carvel

I have read of the process for years, but my image of what happened was not even close to the mark. I was fascinated by this film. Thank the Lord someone had the presence of mind to capture it. Thanks for finding this, Todd and sharing.

Lengthy, but fascinating video! Anyone who has an appreciation for damascus steel needs to watch it. This was back when men were men and skilled craftsmanship was alive and well, but seeing the hard work involved, I'm glad I wasn't around during the "good old days". On the same note, I have a deep appreciation for today's fine craftsmen also.

First, thanks for posting this! Second, I'm with Tom on the no gloves thing not only for handling the hot metal but the acid application as well!

Wow!

Yes, those old drawings do not transmit what went on in those hot smoky stone rooms.

Thank you very much for posting this. I went right to the gun safe to take a look at my barrels that predate the film.

In addition to the lack of gloves and glasses, did you note the age of these craftsmen?
I would guess a lot of the younger workers never came back from WW I...

Last, just how to you produce a barrel with a name in the pattern? See the end of the film at 21 minutes. Has anyone ever seen an example of this?

Patrick

I hardly want to wade into this...but I believe this film is a 'bootleg' copy of the DVD I bought 10+ years ago from 'Pete M' who sells them, apparently, under some sort of licensee arrangement with the society that owns it. In other words, I think it's 'illegally' posted on YouTube.