Brian, I don't agree with your supposition that Bernard barrels don't wear to silver as readily as other damascus patterns. I've seen some silvered ones, but many others not, and I believe that as in many high grade guns, people tended not to use them as much or when they did, take better care of them. As a result we often see high grade guns in good condition, and seldom see Trojans in good shape. Being a Bernard collector, I'd like to agree that Bernard iron and steel is better, but I have no proof than it is.
The best I can come up with is that there is a Parker letter that in response to a query about which barrel composition would withstand wear better, Parker's answer was Acme, Bernard and last Damascus.
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