Not sure this is the right place...

[Forty Rod]

... to ask this, but:

I know what "damascus" is (the layering or laminating of two or more kinds of metal to get a combination of strengths from each one), but I keep hearing "damascene" and I thought it was something different (a etching or engraving, often with "inlays" of gold or silver).

I have heard of "applied damacus" or "etched damascus finish", too, and have no idea what these are.

I also find reference to "washing", "overlaying", "filling", and "applying" gold and silver in addition to the more common inlays and plating. 

Can someone clear all of this up so I don't have to do a lot of research?  I'm lazy, you know.

[St. George]

'Damascening' is a decorative finish applied as the above suggests - overlays, washes, etc - often with a 'Spanish' or a 'Mediterranean' or 'Middle Eastern' look.

'Etched Damascus' is an acid wash done as decoration and following a pattern.

None add strength - all add a value, aesthetically, if you like that sort of style and in the case of 'etched' it was sometimes done to give the appearance of the more expensive Damascus steel process.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Forty Rod]

Okay, let me see if I understand: a "damascened barrel could look like a "damascus" barrel, but wouldn't be a true laminate.  Right? 

I have an aquaintance who has a 1890-1900 era English shotgun with "damascened fluid steel" barrels.  They look like really fine patterned damascus.

Is there a way to tell what they really are?

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[St. George]

You're right...

Reading the description - it tells me that they're fluid-steel barrels with an etched damascus pattern.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Will Ketchum]

And the ironic thing is that they were made to appear like a higher quality gun but today they would be considered more desirable because of the bad opinions of Damascus 

Will Ketchum

[Forty Rod]

Thanks.  It appears to be a very tight, lightly used gun, proofed for "nitro" loads.  I might try to con...uh...convince him to sell it to me.