Grant9908,

Re :steel quality

There is no doubt that steels can be produced today with more stringent controls as to the composition of the alloy, and the heat-treatment can be controlled to a degree that just was not possible in the late 1800s, rearly 1900s.

I think the operative word in the above is 'can' or 'could' - doesn't mean that is necessarily so in all cases

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ