Colt SAA 45LC

GTJC460

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Just got this colt saa back from my finisher. 6 gold inlays and C+ coverage on the gun. I based my design off images of Cuno Helfricht guns in the Colt Engraving books by RL Wilson. I think this is a good example of high quality "production" engraving.


For those interested, I've choosen to use a #3 nGraver dot punch on this gun. I prefer this particular size as you can more easily see each individual dot. Also I pay very close attention to put a wide heavy bevel into my outline cuts and use a little heavier shading than normally seen on "white" guns. Over the last several years, I've come to learn that shallow engraving without much bevel really doesn't show very well in color cased and blued guns. So to really get a more dramatic effect to the engraving you really need to learn to roll that graver and create "bright" cuts in your scroll elements. Personally I don't think you can put too much bevel into the cuts.
 

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monk

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nothin short of a real marvy look you have achieved on this gun. what gravers did you use on doing this ? i just love the visual contrast this piece of work shows. i also like a nice blend of untouched areas and engraved areas you show here. a real classy balance.
 

GTJC460

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Monk, I use almost exclusively a 120' traditional graver. I have two configurations sitting at the ready all the time. They consist of a standard 45' face 20' heel and a high relief graver for doing concave and difficult areas. The high relief graver has a shallow face and a very high lift. Its rather unusual to work with it and take a bit of getting used to. Also, I like using an 18/10 liner to do some of the shading. I think a "hybrid" shading technique of single point and liner work really adds a lot of look and visual interest to a firearm. Some might say its declasse' but I like it and will continue with it as my clients seem to really respond very well to it.
 

JJ Roberts

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Hay Bert,Your the man I like that Colt SAA,keep up the good work.:thumbsup: J.J. If you get out this way in July look me up.
 

MICHAEL

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Monk, I use almost exclusively a 120' traditional graver. I have two configurations sitting at the ready all the time. They consist of a standard 45' face 20' heel and a high relief graver for doing concave and difficult areas. The high relief graver has a shallow face and a very high lift. Its rather unusual to work with it and take a bit of getting used to. Also, I like using an 18/10 liner to do some of the shading. I think a "hybrid" shading technique of single point and liner work really adds a lot of look and visual interest to a firearm. Some might say its declasse' but I like it and will continue with it as my clients seem to really respond very well to it.

Bert, you gotta give the people what they want!:banana:
 

GTJC460

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Thanks JJ and MICHAEL.

JJ. I'll be there awhile. I've had some complications with the healing from sinus surgery I had last year in Baltimore. Can't hear a thing out of my left ear due to the formation of scar tissue. So...I will be seeing the surgeon in Baltimore when I return. I could be there a while depending on what he does to try to fix it.
 

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