A Contemporary High Grade Trade Gun - Finally Finished!

[Curtis]

Howdy Folks!  This gun has been a "back corner" project in the shop for a few years, put there originally for more urgent projects and worked on occasionally as time permitted, such as when waiting between coats for finish to dry.  Finally it made it to completion!

This is a contemporary piece based on a Type G trade gun using a larger & longer fowler barrel, a 48" FCI (Charlie Burton) made 20 gauge.  The stock started as an English Walnut blank, cut to shape with handsaws, chisels & gouges etc.  The barrel was inlet by hand, and all parts except the Davis lock, the barrel and screws were made in the shop.  The buttplate and wrist inlay are nailed on with hand made square nails, the wood was scraped to prepare for the stock finish.  I used Permalyn sealer with a few drops of LMF maple stain mixed in for the first several coats, then topcoated with a few applications of Formby's tung oil.  Kibler's bone black was combined with tung oil for the darkened accents.  Haven't shot it yet but hopefully in the next couple of weeks! 






































I welcome your comments, questions and criticisms.
Thanks for looking,
Curtis

[BOB HILL]

Great job, Curtis. Nothing to not like here. Beautiful work. You’ve got you finish just right. A warm pleasant piece of work.
Bob

[JohnnyFM]

She’s a long-legged beauty!

[elk killer]

Curtis,
Very Very nice. The trigger guard is over the top

[Ray Nelson]

Very Sweet! It Belongs on the frontier trails.


Ray

[Nordnecker]

A nice looking piece. Is that a dogwood flower on the trigger guard?

[Mikecooper]

wow that looks nice!  How did you antique the brass?  It looks a lot better than the brass black treatment that I've seen. 

[Mike Brooks]

Quit a mix of the simple and elegant. I like the warm mellow color and finish.

[rich pierce]

I think you’ve been channeling your inner Mike Brooks, Curtiss!  Lots to like there. I need one of those!

[TgeorgeZ]

It's BEAUTIFUL!

[KILTED COWBOY]

Beautiful, a work of art. The carving is understated and graceful

[oldtravler61]

  Curtis that is one great looking gun !!!  Thanks for showing. Oldtravler

[Curtis]

Thanks for all your comments, guys - I went a couple of different direction with the finish on this as time went on.  I originally went with a bright lock, shiny brass and french grey on the barrel, and decided to give it more zip and tried adding some patina going for the more mellowed look.  Glad to hear it seems to work for the gun!

Curtis

[Mike Lyons]

That is one beautiful rifle.  The finish and engraving is perfect. 

[stubshaft]

Well done, I like your nosecap.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Very cool fowling piece Curtis!  Your English walnut has just the right amount of interesting figure and grain, and the colour is very pleasing.  I'm impressed by your buttplate:  I like the curve you're given the plate and the engraving.

And I must congratulate you on the stump you used as a backdrop...very complimentary.

[t.caster]

In the words of the late "Pa" Keeler, "Anyone would be proud to carry that!"
 She's a real beauty!

[Robby]

I don't know much about trade guns but if yours is an example, I'd trade for it any day of the week!! Very nicely done!!
Robby

[Daryl]

Simple elegance. Lovely. Screams take me out and shoot me.

[Pennsylvania Dutchman]

Beautiful!
Mark

[Davemuzz]

Love it all!!  Your rear sight is really something different and quite nice.

[J. Talbert]

Ooooohhhhh!
I like it.

Jeff

[FDR]

WOW!

Fred

[k gahagan]

Really nicely done Cortis. Like everything about it especially the patina you achieved with the finishing.

[Tim]

That rife is beautiful. The work of a true craftsman.