The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

Damascus and twist barrel color

Posted by Steve Arnett on August 10, 2025, 8:14 am

This may have been asked and answered in past Forum posts. What color was standard for Damascus and twist barrels from the factory, brown or black?

Re: Damascus and twist barrel color

Posted by Drew Hause on August 10, 2025, 9:41 am, in reply to "Damascus and twist barrel color"

All the U.S. doublegun makers used black & white as a standard

Over time the contrast fades and might 'plum' somewhat, but the original colors are more apparent underneath the forearm.
The image uploader is not working but I'll try to post examples later.

Re: Damascus and twist barrel color

Posted by Drew Hause on August 10, 2025, 10:54 am, in reply to "Re: Damascus and twist barrel color"

Chain under the FE

Faded

Re: Damascus and twist barrel color

Posted by Drew Hause on August 10, 2025, 1:02 pm, in reply to "Re: Damascus and twist barrel color"

Another good examples comparing the original color and contrast under the FE

Re: Damascus and twist barrel color

Posted by Steve Arnett on August 11, 2025, 8:52 am, in reply to "Re: Damascus and twist barrel color"

Thanks, Drew. This is what I suspected, and it is my preference.

Re: Damascus and twist barrel color

Posted by Drew Hause on August 11, 2025, 9:44 am, in reply to "Re: Damascus and twist barrel color"

A chain damascus barrel refinished 'browned', and it just doesn't look right to an American eye

Re: Damascus and twist barrel color

Posted by Trevor Rice on August 11, 2025, 2:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Damascus and twist barrel color"

Drew id bet even the English guns were black and white and turned brown over time.

Re: Damascus and twist barrel color

Posted by Drew Hause on August 11, 2025, 3:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Damascus and twist barrel color"

A lot of historical information about 1/2 way down here regarding British 'browning' Trevor
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EGInyr3CsRadXkmTYRak4TWK-pCB3cN5Wgg51u_SnEM/edit?tab=t.0
Don't try using any of that stuff at home!!

Neat collection of browned damascus from H&H

But black & white, though in the minority, are not uncommon.
c. 1880 W&C Scott & Son Pointille Twist

T. Kilby

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