Roger Bleile
~ Elite 1000 Member ~
I have just learned of the passing of two greats of the Belgian engraving trade. Quoted from the Browning collectors newsletter is the following:
"April was a dark month for the engraving fraternity with the death of two of the finest. Jose' Baerten and Andre' Watrin both passed away within a couple of weeks of one another. Both were extremely talented engravers. Jose' Baerten took over the engraving department after Felix Funken and was instrumental in keeping the department going in the late 70's when the engravers went on strike. That is evident with his signature on many, many of the engraved firearms of that period. Baerten, DeWill, Watrin, and Vrancken all worked together as four top engravers at FN at the time. They will be missed but will be remembered on many fine firearms."
Here is a link to Jose' Baerten's work: http://www.littlegun.be/arme belge/graveurs/a baerten j.htm
Link to Watrin's work: http://www.littlegun.be/arme belge/graveurs/a watrin andre.htm
Rest in peace Andre and Jose'
CRB
"April was a dark month for the engraving fraternity with the death of two of the finest. Jose' Baerten and Andre' Watrin both passed away within a couple of weeks of one another. Both were extremely talented engravers. Jose' Baerten took over the engraving department after Felix Funken and was instrumental in keeping the department going in the late 70's when the engravers went on strike. That is evident with his signature on many, many of the engraved firearms of that period. Baerten, DeWill, Watrin, and Vrancken all worked together as four top engravers at FN at the time. They will be missed but will be remembered on many fine firearms."
Here is a link to Jose' Baerten's work: http://www.littlegun.be/arme belge/graveurs/a baerten j.htm
Link to Watrin's work: http://www.littlegun.be/arme belge/graveurs/a watrin andre.htm
Rest in peace Andre and Jose'
CRB
