Identifying engraver with initials RV or PV

[dwmartin]

Greetings All,
I own an engraved model 12 Winchester trap gun, serial number Y2026xxx. I believe it was made in 1978 and Pauline Muerrle told me the work was not done by Winchester engravers. I have attached pics including one with the engraver's initials. Any information that helps identify the engraver is greatly appreciated.

 

[Roger Bleile]

That is the work of the late Ray Viramontez.

 

[dwmartin]

That is the work of the late Ray Viramontez.

Roger, Thank you very much for your reply. Not familiar with Mr. Viramontez, but a little research shows he was quite the well respected and talented craftman. It means a lot to me to know who did the work and sounds like may add value as well. Have a good Christmas.
Dennis

 

[monk]

ray was a photographer in the air force. i believe it was during his enlistment that he learned the art. many of his works were published in the gun magazines. he was also a quite friendly chap. i talked several times with him on the phone.

 

[JJ Roberts]

I meet Ray at the first engraving-in at the Fork of the Delaware gun show back in the early 80's Ray always helped his fellow engravers on any problems they had thank's for sharing the beautiful photo's of Ray's engraving Mr. Martin. J.J.