12 Gauge Lifter #1102

[ArtS]

I have an 1878 10 ga that is marked Damascus on the rib and books as a Damascus (supported by a letter) but is obviously a Parker made Laminate and is stamped with the P on the flats. I think Dean is correct that there were more than the roughly 180 tabulated in TPS for the simple reason that Parker was proud of the barrels and sometimes labeled them Damascus for the simple reason that they were installed on the intermediate grades of guns that were normally spec'd with Damascus barrels. It is further clouded as pointed out by the fact that they resemble the Toncin style of Damascus made in Europe. I think they are one of the most attractive forms of welded barrels. I have also always admired the laminate patterns similar to the top picture. I own quite a few high grade English guns from the mid 1870 era that have that style of laminate and they are incredibly beautiful.They also were considered very strong barrels at the time.