This photo is from Greener's book, in the chapter on laminated steel. While he does discuss damascus in this chapter, nothing in the photo or text refers to it. Looking at it would seem that they are engaged in Damascus fabrication as are the Belgian workers in the next photo, which is from Puraye's article (these same images appear in Gaier's books, so I would assume they are part of a public collection).
I believe Greener is showing how English laminated Steel barrels are fabricated. It is my belief, by the way, that this photo may be staged. By 1907 Greener was certainly using auto-hammers for such work. He is "demonstrating the old ways" for his book.
I think the real issue is why bother to produce laminated Steel barrels?
Pete
