Did the Birmingham gunmakers fabricate any of their barrels
Birmingham made a very large number of barrels in mid-century, especially during the American Civil War. However, following the war when the industry turned again to sporting arms the craft of making damascus barrels began its decline. There was just no way to compete with continental makers. By contrast, English makers of fluid steel barrels flourished in late century. By 1900 only a handful of skilled damascus barrel makers remained in Birmingham.
