Patterns and Variations

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

thank you Frank,
The accurate and proper restoration of Damascus barrels has become a passion to me. Using the correct processes and formulas, has allowed us to see pattern intracies not seen for a 100 years. The diversity and variations in patterns are truely breathtaking. I hope to gain a better understanding of the people that made these works of art and eventually catalog the scope of the trade.
I am glad that you enjoy the posts. I will continue to post the unique and unusual examples .
Brad

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Brad,

I've seen your work on other's guns and am always amazed how you can transform 100 year olds into their youthful beauty once again!

Respectfully,
Mark

[Roundsworth]

Brad, these photos show the Plain Twist barrels you recently restored for my 1877 Lifter, 10250. Do the patterns appear to be different, or, are these just unique little 'defects'. Defect isn't the right word, because the barrels are not defective. In fact they work just great! Thanks for a great job, and sorry about my cruddy pictures. Cheers!

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

Mark, it seems to be a constant with the early twist barrels, to have very little consistantcy within the pattern. Later production twist tubes display more contrast and deeper black & white. We are starting to think that twist barrels such as yours, may have been some that were actually made by parker.The ribs are plain steel rather than Damascus. The low carbon content of the steel limits the sharp contrast.

Brad

[Roundsworth]

I was wondering about the ribs being reg'lar steel!

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

Mark the subject of ribs seems to be a study in its self. We have documented rib use by year of manufacture, and have yet to establish any logical pattern use , prior to what I would call the typical 4 wire patterns, most often used on latter barrels.
I would assume that Parker purchased steel for ribs, from the same suppliers that furnished tubes. Many of the patterns match. Some of the patterns are way out in left field. No rhyme or reason.
Plain steel rib materials were more readily available, which is why we believe that your barrels may of been produced by Parker.

Brad