"Contemporary" gun engraving

[Nushif]

So, here's a question, which popped up while I was reading another thread.

The thread showed this .22 target pistol with relatively modern lines engraved in well, the only style I've really seen, using the swirling "wave" patterns and the classical lines.

Now, being a bit of an aesthetic snob, this didn't appeal to me, but it did get me thinking.

Where would one go to get a contemporary or modern engraving job done?

By contemporary I mean a design that one wouldn't find, for instance on a single action, or a hunting shotgun. Essentially a departure from the normal "swirlygig."

As an example here's some pics. I hope they work.

http://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/product/54bc5a11b86d89951973608/BROWNING+Ultra+XS+Prestige+20G/

This would be an example of a more modern design versus, for instance this:

http://blog.yaaqui.com/miniature-spy-guns-part-2_articulo_33_24189.html

IS there any specific reason we're slapping the same design we used on an SA Revolver on everything ranging from a Seacamp up to a Sig? Any input here? What are your opinions?

 

[gym]

It's tradition more than anything, and timeless also.

 

[aryfrosty]

Reasons?

The designs in Nimsche and others are quite simply art. They are generally pleasing to look at.
Art, in any form, is in the eye of the beholder so if you lean toward "modern" engraving styles then you should have that if you want it. That shotgun linked to in your post doesn't really strike me as engraved. That was likely applied by a machine or computer assisted device and hits me more as advertising than art. I wish I could afford to afford a simple, tasteful engraving scheme of a couple of guns I feel are classically styled.

 

[DammitBoy]

I've been thinking about and searching for the same thing - some kind of more modern contemporary designs that I might want to engrave on my paraordnance P16 10mm conversion.

Surely there are engravers out there with more modern designs and styles?

 

[Jim Watson]

I'm sure there are. But it appears to be an exercise for the student to locate one.

I once saw a picture of a Holland and Holland with very modern abstract engraving... done about 1930.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

If you like it and plan to keep it forever, get whatever scroll work you find pleasing. If you think you'd sell it down the road, I'd lean towards more traditional scroll work so it appeals to more people. It's kind of like a house. If you buy something very unique and quirky, it will be harder to sell because it won't appeal to as many people.

 

[DammitBoy]

I'm not interested in selling.

I've google searched six ways from sunday and I can't find any link to any kind of contemporary design - I might have to come up with one on my own...

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edit to add:

I tried using bing and finally got at least one result - http://www.thehandengraver.com/

That's funky, and he does regular scroll work, pretty darn good work.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

I have sometimes thought that a Desert Eagle engraved with a "tribal" pattern would look pretty slick. Too bad I don't have the money for the gun, never mind the engraving!

 

[DammitBoy]

I like this celtic knot design;

 

[9mmepiphany]

I tried using bing and finally got at least one result - http://www.thehandengraver.com/

That's funky, and he does regular scroll work, pretty darn good work.

It's too bad the other images on that page can't be copied...I really liked this description

a " Impossible triangle ", a two dimensional figure which is interpreted as a three dimensional figure. An object that is not actually possible for such an object to exist in the form interpreted as we see it.

 

[DammitBoy]

Yeah, it was a very cool webpage and the guy seems to be an excellent engraver.

I've also been looking at the idea of doing either pewter or aluminum grips to continue the engraving theme on my 10mm.

I found some some thick walled aluminum grips for the Para at Alumagrips that I think can be engraved on (?) or I can have artwork laser engraved, but I don't like the look of laser work.

 

[AXI]

The reason I want a silver matte gun is for engraving. I'm glad that we aren't just showing off Western (god bless america) weapons because it it brings more people into the aesthetics of weapons.

Nothing like having a gun you won't sell because you put a custom design on it, a tattoo to give it an identity. My brother named his Jeep Janice, same can go for a gun.

 

[Zundfolge]

There's a guy here in Colorado that does what I'd call a contemporary interpretation of classical engraving.

 

[DammitBoy]

That's some wild stuff - not sure if I want to get that far out there. I'm thinking of doing something more celtic...

 

[InkEd]

Does anyone else see the irony of calling a "Celtic knot" design a
contemporary design? I like the design though. The others....
No Thank You.

 

[DammitBoy]

The idea of using celtic knots and celtic designs to engrave a firearm would seem to be a contemporary idea, since the majority of engraved guns use only two or three different kinds of scrollwork.

Yes, celtic knots are an ancient design - but have you ever seen them engraved on a firearm?

 

[Zundfolge]

Yes, celtic knots are an ancient design - but have you ever seen them engraved on a firearm?

Esmeralda does some nice celtic designed grips.

 

[DammitBoy]

those are great grips

 

[chicharrones]

I like that. Not traditional, but somehow it appeals to me. If I had money to give away for engraving, I'd go for that type of work.

There's a guy here in Colorado that does what I'd call a contemporary interpretation of classical engraving.

 

[Buck Nekkid]

There are many contempory designs being done in Europe. I especially like what CZ is doing in their "over the top" engraving. I think if you go here: http://www.czub.cz/en/catalog/237-engraved-pistols/ You'll see what I mean.

I think that if you are really serious about getting your firearm engraved with contemporary designs, then print out something with your design and have one on one visit with your engraver. Most engravers are willing to listen to and work with you.

 

[DammitBoy]

That's my plan, but first I have to finish the design - which I just started on. I'll post pics of the process as it goes along...

Here's my blank canvas: