The book, Experts on Guns and Shooting,by G.T. Teasdale-Bucklell,Contains a great deal of information on the comparative strength and cost of both damascus and steel gun barrels.[pages 540-541].These tests were carried out at the Birmingham Proof house in 1891 under the supervision of leading gunmakers of the day.In total 39 types of Damascus and Steel barrels of both British and Belgian origin were tested. These test would be relevant to the era when the Baker barrels were produced. You may be surprised By some results for example;it is recorded that English Laminated Steel out performed Whitworth fluid compressed steel in terms of endurance [ie; resistance to bulging].
This book also provides extensive technical analysis of barrel design,allowable stress levels recommended barrel wall thickness etc. It also contains interesting reviews of the several leading London and Birmingham gunmakers.
A reprint of this book was recently available at Gunnerman Books.[ Tel;248-608-2856]
