I should add the following information. We know that in 1771 Jean Jacques Perret published "L'Art du Coutelier". In it he describes the process of twisting ribbons. Many of the tools shown resemble what is later seen in the damascus barrel shops. There is a partial English translation at:
http://damascus.free.fr/f_damas/f_hist/perret.htm

There is no indication that he was able to control the look of the final product.

Also, Verhoeven and Pendray have recreated the process of recreating damascus blades. This is very similar to the work of Manfred Sasche. Here is an article that they published some years ago. Interesting microscopic picture is included in the article.
http://www.mse.iastate.edu/fileadmin/www.mse.iastate.edu/static/files/verhoeven/muse.pdf

Pete