Keith,
There are all sorts of time estimates around. Some consider them written in stone. I think the question needs to more focused, eg 1890 Birmingham, 1900 Liege, etc. Barrel makers were paid by piece work.
So,if you take the above list and figure that the manufacturer had a 100% mark up over his cost. There was the cost of the ribbon from the rolling mill, the 1st barrel makers forge (2 men), the 2nd barrel makers forge (2 men), the grinder, the boring, the inspector, the joiner, the cost of proofing, etc. The barrel makers were making something like 10 cents a barrel. They could turn out maybe 4 barrels in a 10 hour day. How many man hours went into a single set?
Steve would be able to make a more educated guess than any one I know.
Pete
