Jim,
Greener is using old unused damascus tubes on new guns so at least the English think they are safe. The proof house also will still give an old damascus gun nitro proof so they must think they are safe also.
It looks to me like the Baker in question came apart from a over pressure incident of unknown cause. A modern gun could and likely would do the same. This does not mean any damascus gun is safe but they are not dangerous if one is careful. And as Sherman bell showed they may take much more pressure than one would expect even when in poor condition.
Cheers,
Laurie
