Lancaster, again

[frogwalking]

I mostly wanted to show you the job that Everett Smith did on the engraving to the patchbox and sideplate, both of which I made.  (patchbox began life as a Chamber's kit.)  The rifle is .32 caliber, which admittedly is small for this style, but I am not a stickler for such things.  I mainly wanted to build a rifle that looks believably like a Lancaster styled gun.  Most of my discussions with Everett included my own concern for the cost of such hand work from a skilled craftsman.  The total cost was less than $80, including his cost to mail them back to me.  To say I am pleased with his work would be a huge understatement.







I know it would look better if well carved, but it is the "well" part I have problems with.   I have seen more than one decent longrifle ruined with poor carving.

[P.W.Berkuta]

I've used his services before and found him to be fair with his pricing. His work is good and I have been satisfied with the outcome.

[Mauser06]

FantStic looking rifle...I think it looks great..and the engraving adds a nice touch to it...


I've been wondering if anyone does engraving work..but figured if anyone did the cost would be prohibitive...does Mr. Smith have a website? 

[frogwalking]

Everett's contact information is:
Smitty's Engraving

21320 Pioneer Cir.

Harrah, OK 73045

Ph (405)454-6968

[frogwalking]

The photos do not show the engraving well.  What can I do to make it more visible, without making it look unnatural?  It is so bloomin' hot here that we will not shoot it again until September or October.

[Mauser06]

Thanx for the info!   



I use my phone to surf the forum...I can zoom in easily and see it...as some dirt and grime fill in the engraving it'll show well! Lol. 



One thing that kinda caught my eye when I just looked at your pics....did you consider having a little engraving done on the lock?   I think it looks awesome as it sits...but having some engraving done on the lock might be worth having done....



What wood finish did you use if you don't mind?    I really like the look of that stock...

[J. Talbert]

"I know it would look better if well carved, but it is the "well" part I have problems with.   I have seen more than one decent longrifle ruined with poor carving."

Nice looking rifle.

I totally agree about the carving.  I think many a first rifle has been greatly diminished rather than improved by poorly design and/or executed carving.

Sometimes less is definitely more.

Jeff

[Don Steele]

I'm with you and Jeff on this one.
For my taste....that rifle is "tastefully elegant" without going over-the-top.
Congratulations on achieving just enough, and controlling the urge to do more.
I'm currently trying to make some decisions on a Left-Hand small caliber (.32 or .40) Lancaster-type rifle. I'm also not too concerned that it might not be totally HC.
What barrel do you have on that one...??
Thanks,
Don

[Chowmi]

The photos do not show the engraving well.  What can I do to make it more visible, without making it look unnatural?  It is so bloomin' hot here that we will not shoot it again until September or October.

Personally, I would let it get dirty from shooting and handling.  You might run a dirty patch over it.  I know you wont shoot till, Sep/Oct, but you likely plan to own this rifle a long time.  Be patient.

Or, go outside and light off a small pile of black powder on a plate and then wipe it up with a patch.  Don't burn yourself!

Cheers,
Norm

[frogwalking]

I actually lit off some powder in the driveway, collected the residue on a cleaning patch and took the worst of the shine off, but will get serious when we shoot it.  I put 10 shots through it before finishing, and while we still lived on the farm.  It put 6 of the 10 shots through one hole at 30 yards.  This is not bad considering my cataracts are doing their thing.

The barrel is a Rice, 42 inch, probably an A weight, but I don't know the profile as I bought it from someone else who had previously had Mark Weader inlet it and shape the buttstock.
The stock finish was Ferric Nitrate stain and Permalyn sealer, a half dozen coats, at least.  Rubbed to satin with 4-0 steel wood. I haven't waxed it yet but will after the bras get a subdued patina.

Thanks for the kind words. 

[Chowmi]

I like the finish that you did.
Did you put anything on top of the Permalyn Sealer?
Norm

[FALout]

The engraving looks great, money well spent.  The rifle is great, you sometimes need to build what you want and not feel the need to build an exact school or makers design.