Here's you one Mr. Shot.
Even at your current skill level, your engraving would seem to go well beyond the usual standards of what was on colonial or golden age long rifles. I know that there are as many philosophies of building a new long rifle as there are long rifle builders; do you lean toward recreating old examples or creating ultimate artistry?
Sir, thank you for the picture! You're right, with usually just a square graver & wriggler, virtually no magnification to speak of, and varying degrees of artistic ability/training, the average engraver off the street is usually able to surpass most of American colonial engraving.
When it comes to contemporary American or European 18th century arms, I strive to keep the style as close to authentic as possible, although for English pieces I tend to get a whole lot fancier. That's why I'm so interested in seeing certain pictures of good authentic or "PERIOD CORRECT" contemporary engravings.
I figure all of the super fancy work is usually better left for modern firearms, jewelry, etc.
