Thanks for the inquiry, and I'm also interested in some learned opinions...from a gentleman...who has actually worked with pattern welded metal.

This is a c. 1867 MacNaughton of Edinburgh 12b sleeved from damascus to steel...back to damascus; with silver between all 4 joints; by John Foster and Graham Bull. Courtesy of David Trevallion.





I wonder if the silver 'spacer' was for more than just cosmetics?

Here's a crolle to ? laminated steel by Keith Kearcher that also appears to have a spacer



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