Steel variation

[Aaron Beck]

Ive wondered if the ribands were actually manufactured in a different industrial setting. Rolling mill comes to mind, I know the movie shows the guys doing the whole thing start to finish but still hard to fathom. Is there any indication of this?

[Drew Hause]

Interesting question Aaron.

Descriptions of the tube making process from the early 1800s did not mention machine welding until this, toward the end of the damascus production era
The Hardware Reporter, May 9, 1913
https://books.google.com/books?id=15s7AQAAMAAJ&pg
“Process of Making a Good Shotgun - Barrel Depends Upon Materials Used and Method of Forming lt - Steel and Iron Combined.”
Two of these ribbons (rods) are required to form a single barrel, the one for the breech being somewhat thicker than the one for the muzzle. These ribbons are twisted into a spiral, this twisting being done cold unless very heavy barrels are desired.
The metal coils are next heated, a steel mandrel is inserted and the coil is welded by hammering. The two coils are next welded together, the breech section being about six inches long. Then comes more hammering until the metal is cold, and the barrel, is complete except for the finishing.
There are shops in Belgium where the method just described is followed, but in which machines are utilized for twisting and hammering and where no steel whatever is used, the Damascus effect being attained by using two grades of iron. Such barrels are naturally more apt to contain flaws than a handworked product, and an all iron barrel is not sufficiently strong to withstand safely the explosion of the powders now generally used.

The 1891 Birmingham Proof House Test report listed many of the damascus barrels as "machine forged" but there was no explanation of what that meant
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...hfDxmrNAU/edit

More here
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...O8Fnk7kTQ/edit

[Aaron Beck]

Thats a great starting point, thanks. I can see a twisting machine too but generally feel like the hand welding of the spiral welds is likely the best way, but for this process only. Generating many miles of thin bars in iron is a chore without rolling. Especially since uniformity is paramount, even the best hammering isnt completely uniform. If you add the dissimilar metals, the tendency of iron to delaminate and the rapid cooling of long thin sections, I again wonder if rolling was common as a means of generating the raw material for the barrel welders.
Here is a link, lots about rolling mills but no mention of damascus.
modern damascus makers use rolling mills and the technology was available during the breachloading shotgun era.

https://www.ispatguru.com/historical...ts%20thickness.

[Drew Hause]

Thanks Aaron.

Interesting Patent n°223432 of "Monsieur Florent Heuse-Bovy" for: a process and device mechanically carrying out the synchronic torsion of metals.
http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge...0riga%20gb.htm

[Bruce P Bruner]

These barrels may have been somewhat harshly criticized for their unique and unusual characteristics but I am very satisfied with Breck’s laborious work and will certainly enjoy shooting this extraordinary vintage Parker. 143 years old and still burning charcoal.

[Drew Hause]

Every barrel evaluation is an opportunity to learn, which I for one appreciate, and the 'messy' pattern with inconsistent coloring in no way reflects on Breck's refinishing expertise.

[Phil C]

Good morning Breck. I have sent you a PM.
Thanks Phil

[Mark Garrett]

Hi Breck, I sent you a pm also.