I'm very certain that arguments concerning samples of statististically meaningful size would have been hardly worth the mention if each and every one of Bell's decrepit and suspect examples had blown on a single proof load. The response if one had burst at say 2/3 proof pressure would have been the extremely unscientific "I told you so; why would anyone think it wouldn't with all that pitting/honing/age!" As to Bell's disclaimer that his tests do not speak to the soundness for use of YOUR damascus gun, he clearly believes that some lawyer-proofing is also necessary.

jack