Price for the "rough forged tubes" related to the complexity/artistry/time invested in the production thereof, and possibly to stand out from other U.S. makers. I've only seen a Bernard barrel on a Lefever.
Ferdinand Drissen 1897-1898 price list.
http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge...issen%20gb.htm
The conversion of Belgian francs to U.S. dollars in 1900 was about 5 francs to 1 dollar.
The complete charge for the barrels and gunsmithing for ‘3 band Crolle’ was 80 francs or about $16. Note three grades of ‘Boston’ damascus. Barrels 2-6 were each a Twist variant, and obviously much cheaper to produce.
Bernard I & II (used on the C grade) are at the bottom
The most expensive barrels offered by Drissen were
E. Heuse-Lemoine 1st quality 4-band Crolle’ at 165f and 6-band Crolle’ at 180f (about $36), and likely the tubes on Grade 5s and 6s.
Threaded Mode