Bill Ok, these are my opinions based on the photos only, which I understand may not fully illustrate the color and pattern contrast of the subject barrels. 1) Of the three examples, the chain Damascus set is the best example of the black/white color contrast between iron and steel. And although I'd personally be happy with the finished result shown, the color contrast between the iron and steel ribbons on this set is not nearly as crisp and bright as was seen on the set of "still new condition" Grade O barrels I saw. I'm of the opinion that the original set of Grade O barrels I examined still had their original lacquer coating; and am sure that contributed somewhat to the brilliance of the black and white color contrast seen in that barrel set 2. In my opinion the barrels in the second photo are not finished sufficiently to really bring out the black and white color contrast between the iron and steel ribbons; too much grey color. 3. I have more or less the same opinion of the third barrel set as I do of the 2nd, with the exception that this barrel set is way too brown and one must really look close to see the barrel pattern. Just my 2 cents worth, and certainly not intended to be critical or insulting; others may have an entirely different view.