A Most Elegant K-22, a Churchill Engraved Masterpiece

[boykinlp]

For those of you interested in learning more about Winston Churchill (the engraver), here is a link to a fun/short 2006 Forbes article about the talented engraver:

Man of Steel

Richard,
That is a terrific article! One part I really like is the following:

Eaton may also see the results appreciate. "Engraved firearms are becoming recognized more and more as art objects," says Houze. "This is a field that is coming into its own. It hasn't arrived yet, but in 10 to 15 years it will be accepted on a much broader scale."

Because NOW is the time frame Houze was talking about. Richard, you really have a true gem in this piece considering how few Mr. Churchill did. How did you learn about Mr. Churchill's work? Did you acquire the piece first, then do your research, or did you already know about him, and specifically look for a piece of his work? Thanks for sharing it with us!
Larry

 

[RKmesa]

...How did you learn about Mr. Churchill's work? Did you acquire the piece first, then do your research, or did you already know about him, and specifically look for a piece of his work?

Larry:

Mr. Churchill's work is widely known in engraving circles. He is included in most of the books discussing modern engravers, and I've known about and appreciated his work for many years, although I do not recall seeing this particular K-22 before. When I saw it come up for sale, I immediately called the seller and immediately jumped on it. The seller's photos of the gun were okay, but not great, so when I received it and found it to be in perfect condition, my face was stuck in one of those permanent grins for hours. I feel lucky to have added this one to my collection and hopefully I can learn and share a bit more about this specific gun's history.

The gun came with a gold box - here are a few more photos of the gun on the box, with some early .22 ammo:

 

[GSP Fan]

You must spend hours looking at auction sites and have an excellent networking system. Time well spent IMHO

 

[RKmesa]

You must spend hours looking at auction sites and have an excellent networking system. Time well spent IMHO

Actually, I spend a little time every day, checking a few sources and seeing what is new on the market - it is a fun way to de-stress after a long day at the office. And I do have a lot of friends and enablers that regularly send me links to stuff they think I might like. I very much enjoy the hunt for the next nice S&W to add to my collection.

 

[RKmesa]

Any idea who did the finish work?

I just noticed that I did not respond to this question. I do not know who did the bluing, but Mr. Churchill was passionate about his prep work (which I believe he did personally) and it shows in the crispness of every edge and corner. No rounded or slightly rounded corners. Everything is sharp and perfectly executed.

 

[RKmesa]

SAD NEWS - I recently read of Mr. Churchill's passing. For those interested, here is a link to his obituary and to his webpage...

Winston Gordon Churchill, 1939-2023 - Gray's Sporting Journal

Winston Churchill - Master Engraver & Sculptor

RIP Mr. Churchill - your legacy will live on in your wonderful artwork.

 

[ameridaddy]

At the risk of being heretical, I like your featured gun even more than the full coverage guns you usually feature - it's absolutely stunning!
I think the contrast between the polished base and the engraving draws the eye to each figure and its wonderful execution and details, one after another, letting the eye and mind leisurely savor the work.

 

[dobegrant]

An incredible gun, just wow.

 

[MetalMan]

For me, I agree that the Churchill engraving has a simply understated elegance.

 

[gmanofsteel]

Thanks for sharing

Thank you for sharing your excellent photos of your K22. To me... a beautiful example of 3-dimensional art, in the form of a handgun. Love it....!

 

[DCWilson]

How did I miss this thread when it was new? Even if I am behind the curve on awareness, I excuse my ignorance on the grounds that delaying a pleasure simply intensifies it.

Outstanding work by Mr. Churchill, and further demonstration of architect Mies van der Rohe's fundamental principle of design: Less is more.

 

[Rusty parrot]

Richard,
A very fitting tribute to a gentleman, a masterful engraver and an accomplished stockmaker. His works are items of beauty and the art will be appreciated for many years.
Jake

 

[drgbike]

absolutely perfect. No more no less.

 

[RKmesa]

Here is another beautiful example of Mr. Churchill's work - an engraved Model 52:

Source: Winston Churchill Engraved Smith & Wesson 52-1 - Online Gun Auction

He sure was an amazing talent!!!