All these years I've puzzled about how damascus was contrived. The gunmakers of old were driven beyond my comprehension.
Thanks for the lesson in humility.
I think that shows why Damascus eventually fell by the wayside, during the Industrial Revolution. Very laborious process.
It looked like he was making a small muzzleloading cannon ball barrel? Do you simply continue the forging process on a longer mandrel, to make full length barrels?
I guess....maybe. Don't really have a clue. I do know that some of the finer European arms makers are producing damascus rifle barrels again and getting them proofed for nitro.
Also recall one of the prettiest capeguns I ever saw/handled/shot was damascus; finished with a very soft light brown finish. Crisp contrast on the pattern, it was gorgeous. Hammer gun, 16 ga right/.44-40 Maynard left. Made by W. Richards.