As noted in the McNeeley Shoot-A-Que thread, Phil brings a Research Letter confirmed 1896 No. 1 with Birmingham Provisional Proof (BP) marked 4 Iron "British Best" damascus! The No. 1 was introduced in 1890 with Laminated Steel until about 1898, then with "Good 2 Rod Damascus"
![[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]](https://photos.smugmug.com/Damascus/US-Makers-Birmingham-Tubes/i-prhcKPZ/0/dc5491c4/L/Smith%20No.%201%201896%204%20%20Iron%20Turkish-L.jpg)
The top barrel pattern is a bit messy. Refinished by Buck Hamlin
![[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]](https://photos.smugmug.com/Damascus/US-Makers-Birmingham-Tubes/i-rKPvkMB/0/b23a65b5/L/Smith%20No.%201%204%20Iron%20Turkish-L.jpg)
We have very good evidence that the vast majority of Twist, Damascus and Laminated Steel barrel tubes used by U.S. maker were sourced in Belgium; certainly after the late 1880s. It is not uncommon however to find BP marked barrels on earlier guns. I've seen a single Colt Model of 1883 Hammerless with LONDON provisional proof also.
This is an early (?c. 1870) Parker Front Action Lifter with 3 Iron Crolle
![[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]](https://photos.smugmug.com/Damascus/US-Makers-Birmingham-Tubes/i-bsSzN6n/0/d3e88bdf/M/Parker%20Front%20Action%20Lifter%20Barrel%203%20Iron%20Oxford-M.jpg)
A Remington Whitmore Model 1875 with Laminated Steel and BP
![[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]](https://photos.smugmug.com/Damascus/US-Makers-Birmingham-Tubes/i-fLQ8cSM/0/32d3873f/M/Remington%201875%20%20Whitmore%20Laminated%20Steel%20Birmingham%20proof-M.jpg)