Engraving on english rifle

[sydney]

Hi--I am finishing a English sporting percussion rifle--I would like to put some light engraving on the lock ect before color case hardening
      Most rifles are highly engraved well beyond my skill level
      Any pictures or ideas on some simple engraving would be appreciated
        Thanks   Sydney

[Acer Saccharum]

John Schipper's engraving book has lots of Engishey patterns.

http://www.amazon.com/Engraving-Historic-Firearms-John-Schippers/dp/0977073629

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Sydney:  come over and have a look at the book Tom speaks of.  You'll be amazed and pleased.  It's a must have for anyone, I think at any level of experience.  Simply remarkable.

[galamb]

I have seen very elaborate engraving as you note, but have also seen virtually "none".

Here is a close up of the lock on a very nice Manton Half-Stock (2 keys, checkered wrist).

There isn't much more than a (border) engraved around the perimeter of the lock plate and a little on the hammer.

I am just getting into engraving and still doing a poor job (need lot's more practice), but certainly something of this style I would consider within my abilities, with a lot of patience.

Anyhow, here's the pic -

[smart dog]

Hi Sydney,
Taylor's advice on Schipper's book is very good.  I might also suggest simply a thick and thin border.  That is not as easy as it sounds but was common alone with no other engraving even on high-end guns.  Done well it looks like a million bucks especially if you are going to color-case the plate.  The colors tend to obscure engraving.

dave

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Chuck Edwards does very nice English engraving if you would consider having it done by someone else.  wipingstick at msn.com

[Acer Saccharum]

Sometimes a 'simple border' is one of the hardest things to make look right.

[Bob Roller]

Simplicity and elegance of the first rank.I made a number of "4 pin" locks for Don Brown's kit
that went to Europe but few for the ones he sold here.I suggested this upgrade to him when we
met in Canada in 1987.He turned the idea down but said he wanted one for his own rifle and my
reply was "If they're not good enough for your customers,what do you want with one?"
The captain of the German International Team ordered three kits and insisted on my locks and Don
didn't like it one bit.He liked it even less when I sent them COD.The German didn't understand an expensive
kit or a finished gun with a $50 lock.My "4 pin" was $250 at that time.

Bob Roller

[sydney]

Hi Taylor---The kids are arriving to day so I will be busy for a few days
                 I will call next week and take you up on the offer
                  Thanks    Sydney

[Naphtali]

Assuming your rifle is a cap lock, I suggest studying photographs in:

Dallas, Donald, The British Sporting Gun and Rifle.

Hope this helps.