"similar pattern, different manufacturing process?"

I would agree Joe, but know little about the process and alot more about the resulting patterns. The presence or absence of visible ribband weld lines in no way reflects the quality of the barrels.

c. 1880, prior to transitioning to Whitworth steel, British 'Best' guns would have your pattern in 3 or 4 Iron. A bit earlier it would have been 3 Iron Damas Anglais. You'll find the same transition in Parker Hammer Lifters c. 1870s-1880s.
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/19406549

A bit later American 'Best' would have 6 Iron like this Parker AH



I don't believe the British ever made 6 Iron (but could be wrong.) At least Greener felt it was 'over-twisted' and weaker than 3 and 4 Iron.

Last edited by revdocdrew; 07/17/08 01:22 PM.
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