I just scanned thru the above for now, but I too think that all tubes were similar to scattergun gun tubes, including solid projectile/rifled tubes and then their final state was destined by the application. Mostly because I have not see a rifled pattern welded tube price list. Sometime around 1900 - 1902, there were 150k braces or sets of pattern welded tubes with the bulk in rough form going to the U.S. of A. Typically single tube exports were 1/2 that of sets. The cost of the tube was a dollar to a dollar & quarter. Total production for those years were approximately 600k as you state but pistol tubes were also included. At this time there were in excess of 50k workmen, workwomen & work-children. Around 1907 info suggest that the American market was strongly shifting to fluid steel.
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
