PatchBox Engraving

[The Marine]

New to muzzleloaders and this forum. Thanks admin.
I just built my first Ky Longrifle percussion from traditions.
It does not include a sideplate or patchbox.
Before I order a blank patchbox and sideplate, I'd like to get some knowledge.
I'm wondering several things - if anyone has any resources for engravers that will engrave my box (that I dont have yet) done the engraving themselves, what tools you used, and any other useful information you can pass down to this newbee.
Anyone know of any finished/ engraved patchboxes for sale ? Thanks everyone!
Hints on how to include photos when using an Iphone would also be appreciated.
SemperFi

[L. Akers]

Hey, Marine
  I have always done my own engraving. Years ago I bought James Meek's book The Art of Engraving and learned a lot from it.  More recently I got John Schippers' book, Engraving Historic Firearms, which I like better than Meek.  I also have videos by Wallace Gusler and also Lynton McKenze.  These are old enough they may not be available any more.

 99.99% of any engraving you would do on a longrifle can be done with a square graver.  They are easy to make from 1/8" X 1/8" O1 tool steel which I get from McMaster-Carr.  Either of the books will show how to sharpen the graver.  Get some brass practice plates ( I just use scrap sheet brass ) and practice, practice, practice.  Hint: a straight line with uniform width is the hardest thing to accomplish.

[Dave B]

Welcome to the best place to get your questions answered regarding building longrifles. The archives have answers to most of your questions. If you cant find it there you will get it here. For you project  you are right in needing to do some home work. Get you self some books from your library or inter-library loans. Recreating the American Longrifle (Shumway). The art of building the pensilvaina longrifle, (Dixon) Here is a link to Amazon that has sveral others listed as well. https://www.amazon.com/Art-Building-Pennsylvania-Longrifle/dp/B002DVKDH4 You cant get too much information. The thing I recommend is to get the box you like. There are a whole bunch to choose from. I recommend getting some thing simple for starters. Trying to tackle a box with a bunch of piercings is not a good idea on a first time around build. That being said I have seen some first timers do amazing work on the boxes with multiple piercings.  The box must be fit to the rifle first before it is engraved or the engraving will not flow correctly with the shape of the butt plate contour. I know I saw someone post a picture of a patch box he had sent off after he had installed it and the guy did a bang up job on the engraving and it didnt break the bank.  Maybe some here can find the post or pass along the info on who the engraver was that did the work.
Good luck with your project.

[Ky-Flinter]

Marine,

Welcome to ALR and thank you for your service.  I wasn't sure whether you are wanting to do the engraving yourself or have it done.  If planning to do it yourself, the above is some good advice.  If you want to have it done, here is a link to the post Dave B mentioned.  http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=41130.0

-Ron

[P.W.Berkuta]

New to muzzleloaders and this forum. Thanks admin.
I just built my first Ky Longrifle percussion from traditions.
It does not include a sideplate or patchbox.
Before I order a blank patchbox and sideplate, I'd like to get some knowledge.
I'm wondering several things - if anyone has any resources for engravers that will engrave my box (that I dont have yet) done the engraving themselves, what tools you used, and any other useful information you can pass down to this newbee.
Anyone know of any finished/ engraved patchboxes for sale ? Thanks everyone!
Hints on how to include photos when using an Iphone would also be appreciated.
SemperFi

I have used Smitty's Engraving in the past as others also have. I find him to do a fine job at a resonable price - write him and tell him what you want and he will reply. His address is 21320 Pioneer Cir. Harrah, OK, 73045. He also advertises in Muzzle Blast. The total for this work shown was less than $150.

[The Marine]

Thanks everyone.
Since that post, I have learned alot more.
I think i will try engraving some scrap brass and then probably doing the patchbox and side plate myself.
I have read alot on this forum.
I used Birchwood Casey "Colonial Red" stain and True-Oil finish and Plum Brown to brown the barrel.
Lots of filing and sanding and grinding. I think it turned out nice.
Thanks

[flehto]

Installing a Pbox and sideplate on a completely finished rifle is difficult because the Pbox must be filed smooth w/ the wood. ....which would remove some of the finish. The sideplate would be easier because it doesn't require the filing.

If the Pbox is engraved before inletting, some of the engraving could be erased when filing.....Fred

[moleeyes36]

Installing a Pbox and sideplate on a completely finished rifle is difficult because the Pbox must be filed smooth w/ the wood. ....which would remove some of the finish. The sideplate would be easier because it doesn't require the filing.

If the Pbox is engraved before inletting, some of the engraving could be erased when filing.....Fred

First, thank you for your service and welcome to the ALR.  Fred is right here about installing the patch box, it will need filing to be smooth with the wood.  That of course will mess up a lot of the finish and require sanding of the wood to blend it in.  It would be exceedingly difficult to blend in the new stain and finish to match the old (which looks very nice by the way).  IMHO, Fred (who has built some beautiful Bucks County rifles) has it right.  Add the side plate, and leave the patch box for your next project.  And you will have more projects I'm sure because this stuff is addicting.

Mole Eyes (Disabled Nam Vet)