Robert- that's where the quote on the 'Damascus Barrels' PictureTrail album intro page originated
"These fine barrels are not worked and twisted so neatly and nicely that they may look beautiful alone, but rather for the reason that greatest lightness, combined with greatest durability, may be produced." (from the 1899 Parker Bros. catalog)

I'd like to add a few more interesting/meaningful quotations if anyone has a good one.

https://sites.google.com/a/damascusknowledge.com/www/home