Neil Hartliep engraved Winchester 21

Roger Bleile said:

The late Neil Hartliep was born in Iowa and raised on a farm. He was a self taught engraver who began his engraving experience in 1948 and simultaneously owned and operated a sporting goods store in Cherokee, Iowa. In 1953 he sold his retail business and began work as the manager of the chamber of commerce which gave him more time to engrave.

In 1964, Neil became a full time engraver, By 1979 he had become a guest instructor of gun engraving at Trinadad State College. He also wrote a book of instruction for beginning engravers which is still in print. I first met Neil in the late 70's while he was working at the Grand American trapshoot in Vandalia, Ohio and I would subsequently visit with him annually at the grand for years afterward.

I, unfortunatly do not have his date of birth or death though I am aware that he passed away quite a while ago. You can probably find this information through the Firearms Engravers Guild of America or perhaps the guild president, Rex Pederson will see this thread and provide that information.

A more complete biography with photos of Neil and his works can be found in my book "American Engravers." The book is long out of print but is occasionally found on eBay and is in many libraries.

Neil was a fine gentleman and was well liked by others in the trade. He was always helpful to beginning engravers and mentored many including his son Glen who also became an accomplished engraver.

CRB

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John B. said:

Roger and Ron,

I believe the Asian method, engraving towards yourself, came about because many early engravers in those countries sat at ground level and held or turned the work with their feet.
Many bowls, jugs and vases were engraved or repoussed in this manner in India, China and also Japan.
There are several pictures showing this method in the late and great Oppi Untracht fine book "Metal Techniques for Craftsmen."
Because of copyright I can not scan and post an example picture but this book should be available at the library.
It was published by Doubleday and this is the ISBN 0-385-03027-4 if you are interested.
Great book and full of useful information on so many areas of metalworking.

Neil told me that he got the idea for a foot bench from watching a potter at work.
I have had and used a foot bench for many years and still use it for many things.
It works like an extra set of hands when doing inlay. Especially scroll or lettering.
And is a great aid in H&C work when cutting scroll either Asian style or European side hand.

Best regards, John B.

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