Finished a Pistol....

[Ed Wenger]

I don't do a whole lot of pistols, so I thought I'd post some photos of one I recently completed.  It's one of Chris Altland's component sets, and it was a lot of fun to build.  The pistol is meant as a companion piece for a Lauck style rifle (Winchester, VA school).  The rifle has a Hunters Star inlay on the cheek piece, and we wanted to incorporate that into the pistol.  Some VA pistols I've seen have Hunters Stars that capture a draw or pin, but a "plainer" pistol was desired in this case, so I decided to solder a silver Hunters Star onto the bottom of the butt cap for the tie-in to the rifle.  Anyway, kudos to Chris for a really nice component set!  Comments, suggestions, critiques all welcome....

   Ed

[alyce-james]

Good afternoon Ed; Sir, Very nice job. I really like the carving in the tang area. Also like the finish on the metal, barrel and lock. Thanks for sharing. AJ.

[ScottH]

Ed
Looks great! Thank you for sharing it with us!

[PPatch]

A handsome pistol Ed. I like everything about it.

dave

[Mikeh]

Ed, beautiful pistol. I like all of your work! Mikeh

[wattlebuster]

Your work is first rate. I like it

[gwill]

A beautiful pistol. The carving execution and design are terrific. Any details you can share on the barrel?  Length, caliber, dimensions, etc.  Definitely one to be proud of.

[Marcruger]

Just beautiful (as usual) Ed.   I especially like the crisp incised scrolls that end the molding and the lovely relief carving at  the tang.  The Moravian star on the butt is an interesting touch.  The feel of the antiquing on the metal is super too.  Nice piece I'd be proud to own.  Best wishes,   Marc

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I love it!!  Looks like a sweetheat!!

[old george]

Ed,

She's a real sweetheart.

geo

[Robby]

It really grabs me!!! I wish I could grab it! Very nicely done!
Robby

[Ed Wenger]

Thanks very much, fun project. 

gwill, the barrel is .50 cal, 10" length.  I think dimensions can be found on Chris's web site, www.firelockpistols.com

 

            Ed

[Tim Crosby]

 A Beauty, I would have trouble letting that one go.

   Tim C.

[tallbear]

Very nice Ed.I really like everything about it.I like the color you achieved ,what was your finishing process.

Mitch

[davec2]

Ed,

Beautiful pistol.  Can you explain how you finished both the wood and the metal on this one?  Both are beautifully done (along with everything else !)

Thanks

Dave C

[KLMoors]

Sweet work Ed. Great architecture and bling!

[Maalsral]

Nice work, Ed.  I like the star on the butt.  A little silver here or there is good.

[David Rase]

Ed,
Nice job on the pistol.  They are always fun projects to take on.  Since you ask for comments, I am going to have to say something.  Can't believe I am going to be the first.  The silver hunters star on the butt cap is a nice decoration.  That being said, I think it looks just a tad bulky.  I think if you were to taper the thickness from the center of the star to the edges, i.e. points, the star would flow and rise up more out of the butt cap vs. being stuck on it.  The thinness of the edges and points would give it life and balance.  My second comment is the forward ramrod pipe looks pretty far forward.  I think it could of been moved closer to the entry pipe once again for better balance.  From the pictures, the space between the entry pipe and the ramrod pipe looks excessive.  That's it!  Other than those 2 comments, I like it a lot.  The wood flows, the carving is crisp, inletting tight and the aging is not overly excessive.  I would love to give it a squeeze.
David

[hanshi]

That pistol is beautifully built and appointed.  One good looking pistol. 

The star does look a little bulky, I admit, but the distance between the two rod pipes looks fine to me.

[jerrywh]

 Real nice job. Needs engraving.

[Hangfire]

Nice work...the patina you achieved is what caught my eye. Have to let us know how you did it.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Nicely done Ed !  Beautiful. I would love to have  such a pistol!!   
I would second what Dave Rase suggested re the star. Didn't think of it until he mentioned it but when he did I said to myself....."that is a really good suggestion!"

[Ed Wenger]

The finish on the barrel and lock is nothing more than cold bluing, rubbed back to the desired color.

The stain is home brewed aqua fortis with about four coats of Permalyn, rubbed out with paraffin oil and #4 pumice stone, utilizing an old tooth brush.  The coloring was achieved with washes of various stains, primarily ebony (LMF) & Behlen black stain.  The LMF Ebony toner is a little less black and blends a little better.  It's washed into background areas and around inlets (TG, pipes), then feathered out with scotch brite pads.

I agree to a point about the star, and the photos don't show it well, but the edges have been thinned down some.  I get what you mean, though, and probably would look a little more "refined" with a thinner edge.

I haven't seen a ton of original southern (VA) pistols, but I have seen two or three with the pipe more forward such as this piece.  I personally like that look.  I think it adds to a slender looking, more graceful piece.  Having the pipe back closer to the entry pipe, to me, gives it a blocky, stubby look.  Probably a personal taste thing, but like I said, I've seen it on originals. 

Thanks for the input!

      Ed

[jcmcclure0628]

That is one fine pistol....Love the warm finish work.

[bama]

Nothing shabby about that pistola Ed! Nicely done.