revdocdrew:

Confused I am and the more I read the more confusion there seems to be on the surface. So, as you have stated depending on which Greener & which book the terms "damascus", "iron", "laminated" & "steel" seem to have varying definitions. It is probably due to changes in barrel technology and their desire to sell barrels and guns. W. or W.W. Greener both would have made fine politician, speech stumpers and the like, if they weren't already.
If you get a chance look the definition of laminated in "Modern Breech-Loaders: Sporting & Military and add it to the mix. Is there anyone around that knows how the rods were to be combined to achieve a desired pattern? Or are there recipes stashed somewere in archives.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse