Walt,

A lot of good questions, but few real answers. I do know that a Riga was importing barrels from 1886 on. They were descendents of a Belgian barrel maker, G.J. Riga, and had come here for the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition. The son, J.G. Riga stayed on and became an importer. His son, J.C. Riga continued in his father's business. I have part 1 of a 2 part 1940 interview with him that was published. Been looking for part 2 for some years now.


Here is a site, in French that documents a small part of the import business.
http://heuse.spahistoire.info/chinhotcanondamas.html

I believe S.B.&Co to be Sanderson Steel as I stated above. Crown Steel does not match any Belgian trade name. A caveat, I have only recorded 1,200 Belgian trade marks / names so far. I have at least another 1,000 to compile, just never find the time or motivation to complete the task.
http://damascus-barrels.com/Belgian_Trade_Marks.html

I would guess Crown Steel is a more a marketing name than a direct trade name. But I am guessing. Any original source material showing otherwise would be appreciated. Did the Riga's stop importing and become brokers of domestic barrels over the years? I don't know.

Pete

http://www.damascus-barrels.com/Movie.html