Quote:
"English workman Thomas Smith... 1822.. Harper's Ferry armory... His blows upon a twisted barrel (to quote Mr A.H. Waters) followed each other like the taps of a woodpecker, scarcely leaving a square without the marks of his copper hammer."


This is from "Fire-Arms Manufacture 1880", U.S. Department of Interior, Census Office. They are discussing barrels - Truing or Straightening of Barrels. I thought the reference to a "twisted barrel" significant.

Robert,
Look for water, railroad lines, steel producers and / or armories....

Pete