Engraving Example for Study - Pape Boxlock

Crossbolt · Feb 5, 2017

I recently acquired another addition to my collection of English doubles which was specifically added as an example of some of the moderate relief engraving to be found on W. R. Pape guns. As a beginner I find it very useful to study how cuts are made in the real thing, or failing that on largely expanded photographs when they're available on sites like Holt's. I thought I'd post a few dumbphone photos. If anyone is interested in seeing more detailed images of particular areas just say so and I'll try and take some "macro" photos and post them. The engraver is anonymous although the style is definitely that attributed by Tate to one "Woodruff" who apparently performed engraving for Pape. Regardless I think it's rather impressive. I believe it is referred to as "Floral Cup". The "flowers" almost, but not quite, look like hops to me... which gives me ideas about vine engraving.

Jeremy

Sam · Feb 5, 2017

Can you tell how the background was removed? I've never seen anything quite like this. Are those chisel marks or I wonder if it was chemically etched?

Crossbolt · Feb 5, 2017

Sam
I'd swear that the background was removed by burin then blacked somehow, but I'm a relative ignoramus when it comes to examining the subtleties of engraving. It didn't strike me as etched but I'll have to take a closer look and ponder that. I'll see if I can get more revealing photographs of the background and the edges near the relief work.
For reference the techniques used at the time, the gun was retailed in 1909 and I'm sure engraved just prior to sale.
Jeremy

Omar Haltam · Feb 5, 2017

very nice gun
would be great to see a close up

Big-Un · Feb 6, 2017

I "expanded" the view as best I could and I don't think the marks were caused by burin, they look too uniform and smooth, in a random kind of way. Of course, I'm no expert and have been known to be wrong (ask my wife!)

Crossbolt · Feb 6, 2017

I'll see what I can do by way of close ups of the background in a few days. That seems to be the prime point of interest.
Jeremy

Crossbolt · Feb 10, 2017

Here are the best close ups I could manage on the background on this gun engraving. I tried to take a few against the edge as well where the cuts are highlighted. I personally don't see evidence of etching there which is where I'd expect it to be most evident. It looks like the background was cut away with a graver and partially filled with a blacking compound.

Crossbolt · Feb 10, 2017

And for anyone who's interested here are a couple of details on the floral elements with the shading.

AliAtiyabi · Feb 10, 2017

Very nice work. In Iran we make such engraving by hammering the background. The work is by Master Alamdari.

John B. · Feb 10, 2017

sam said:
Can you tell how the background was removed? I've never seen anything quite like this. Are those chisel marks or I wonder if it was chemically etched?

Sam, from the new posting it mostly looks like it was done with a single point engraver.
But there are also places where it looks like a liner was used. Could it be a combination?
Liner in some of the larger areas and single point where space was tight ?

monk · Feb 13, 2017

interesting work. a fine looking work. as for etching, idon't think there's any showing on the closeups.

Big-Un · Feb 13, 2017

John B. said:
Sam, from the new posting it mostly looks like it was done with a single point engraver.
But there are also places where it looks like a liner was used. Could it be a combination?
Liner in some of the larger areas and single point where space was tight ?

I agree John upon better closeups.

Engraving Example for Study - Pape Boxlock

Crossbolt

Elite Cafe Member

Attachments

Sam

Chief Administrator & Benevolent Dictator

Crossbolt

Elite Cafe Member

Omar Haltam

Elite Cafe Member

Big-Un

~ Elite 1000 Member ~

Crossbolt

Elite Cafe Member

Crossbolt

Elite Cafe Member

Attachments

Crossbolt

Elite Cafe Member

Attachments

AliAtiyabi

Elite Cafe Member

Attachments

John B.

Lifetime Pledge Member

monk

Moderator

Big-Un

~ Elite 1000 Member ~

Latest posts

Sponsors