Need suggestions for engraving design

[Ky-Flinter]

New.  Design drawing added below.  Let me know what you think.  Thanks.

I've made my first patchbox from sheet brass.  I'm pleased with the outcome but I think it is crying for some engraving.  I've been trying to come up with a simple design I can apply (after some more practicing with my graver) but I'm coming up blank.  Any suggestions or pictures?  Thanks.

-Ron

[Glenn]

Very nice design.  Inletting looks real good and the yellow brass blends great with that depth of finish.  Nice job indeed.  

[Old Ford2]

If you are following a design of an earlier gunmaker, try and get some pictures of what he worked with. It doesn't mean that you must copy his, just thoughts on layout.
You did a great job on the patch box. However you can start with simple bordering, on the outside edges of the patch box.
That will give you ideas to bring it all together.
Most new engravers-to-be incorporate way too much design. Keep  it simple.
After you have completed the  outside bordering, you could carry it to the inside edges where brass meets brass, but make shire your corners don't overlap.
There now I have given you simple instructions on how to screw it up!
Best regards
Old Ford

[Captchee]

First thing I would do is make a drawing of your box .
 Then  print out multiple  images  of it on a  single sheet of paper . If you can only get 2  drawings on one sheet , then do 2 or 3 sheets .

 Then on the first image , do as old ford suggested  and layout a boarder.
  American rifles   for the most part had  modest  engraving so   look at  examples . Take note of they types of leaves and scrolls that were used as well as the transitions from one scroll to another . incorporate
 Those designs in your drawings .
 Take your time . When you get the first drawing done , don’t settle  for it , step down  to your next patch box drawing and start  another  layout. Normally myself I do 2 or 3   with the last one being the one that I incorporate what I like best  from the prior   drawings ..
 Once you settle on one of the layouts , take the time to go back and  clean it up . IE work over the transitions , smooth out the curves and work over the modest shading .
 Give yourself some time to  look over the drawing . Set back and study it .
 If after a day or so your still happy with it . Then its time to mirror the image and transfer it to the PB for cutting .

Remember , engraving isn’t just about the cutting . Learning to draw good  layouts is  the biggest and IMO most difficult aspect .

[Jim Kibler]

Your box profile will provide a guide for design to some degree.  Engraved box decoration will generally folow this outline more or less.  So look at original boxes and their enraving and then begin fitting designs to your box. 

[J. Talbert]

Ron,
It looks like a good job so far, but something to consider for the future, as you may have already guessed.  It's a good idea to incorporate the engraving pattern into the designing of the patchbox itself.  With that in mind you're likely to see things you wish to change in the design of the box to help an element of the engraving or visa versa.

Good luck
Jeff

[Ky-Flinter]

Thanks for the compliments and especially all the tips and suggestions.

If you are following a design of an earlier gunmaker, try and get some pictures of what he worked with.

That's probably what I shoulda done.  The design of the finial on this box was inspired by one I have by the late David Dodds and it only has a small swirl pattern around the upper screw.  I hear you on the less is more philosophy.  I'm hoping that fits well with my beginner engraving skills.


Captchee
That's good advice and I will follow it.  Thanks.


Jim,
Your counsel is always appreciated.  Paging thru RCA and Thoughts is always enjoyable, I believe I'll do just that later tonight.

..... It's a good idea to incorporate the engraving pattern into the designing of the patchbox itself.  With that in mind you're likely to see things you wish to change in the design of the box to help an element of the engraving or visa versa.

Haha, you called it Jeff.  I did realize it, just not soon enough!   Experience is something you get right after you needed it!  I will follow your advice on my next box.


Thanks again to all for your assistance.

-Ron

[flintriflesmith]

Here's a quick attempt at the basic components of a design for your box. The photo program doesn't give me good control of the mouse so the lines are really shaky! I threw in two different side plate designs. There is supposed to be a border on the edge of the door and on the adjacent side piece but drawing a straight line didn't work at all. Above the door is supposed to be a cross hatched triangle with all curved lines--common detail from the period (Dickert, etc.)




Gary

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Ron, draw some designs like Gary did and post them for us to look at so we can suggest additions, deletions and distrtions. This has the potential to be a terrifically useful thread.

[Trkdriver99]

Wouldn't it be easier to print a picture of the box and just hand draw the lines on it?

Ronnie

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

This is a nice example:

[Ky-Flinter]

Gary,
Thank you!  I really appreciate your taking the time to do that illustration.  It's the little details that make the difference.  Thank you for helping me see that.

Tim and Captchee,
I traced the box today, will make copies tomorrow and start drawing.  Tim, thanks for the picture.  It has elements I can use.  The new job is keeping me really busy, but I will try to post some drawings.

-Ron 

[Ky-Flinter]

I made several copies of the patchbox outline and have been drawing and doodling a bunch.  The top drawing is the outline of the existing patchbox.  I think the lower drawing is the best of what I've come up with so far.

So, what do you think?  Is it too much for an apprentice engraver?  Suggestions welcome.  Thanks.



-Ron

[Ky-Flinter]

Sorry Charlie, no CW.

-Ron

[greybeard]

I made several copies of the patchbox outline and have been drawing and doodling a bunch.  The top drawing is the outline of the existing patchbox.  I think the lower drawing is the best of what I've come up with so far.

So, what do you think?  Is it too much for an apprentice engraver?  Suggestions welcome.  Thanks.



-Ron

Ron: I kind of like the drawing.. Not to busy but nice.   Draw a few of the elements on sonm sheet brass, screw it to a block and go easy on one little element at a time. You will be fine.
Good luck and remember to have fun.  Bob