Extraordinary Engraved Pre-27 - with Provenance

[AlHunt]

The finish on this gun is definitely nickel.

Engraved or nickeled first? Given the depth of the engraving, it seems like the nickel would break through, but I don't see how the detail would still show if someone nickeled over it.

On another note, I really hope you have a Photobucket Plan B for when you go on to your reward (a long time from now). You have some of the most spectacular threads on the forum and if they become just more "photobucket internet potholes", it's going to be a sad, sad day.

 

[AlHunt]

I have no idea how they do it with hammer and chisel on metal!!! I stand in awe.

That's exactly what I was looking at - how in the world it looks like shadow around those animal heads, the depth in the details. It looks more like a pencil/charcoal/something work.

Your own drawings are pretty enviable, too ...

 

[AlHunt]

Wow, the screws are timed to the flow of the frame. Never seen that before.

I thought so, too. But look at the screw that's hidden under the target grips. It's obviously meant to be shown at times so it seems like they'd have done something with it, too.

Plus, none of the other screws seem to be purposely clocked. A curiosity, for sure. Either way, it doesn't detract from that awesome revolver.

 

[Dennis2149]

Stupendous handgun. Only negative would be that you may never find a nicer one. Respectfully, Dennis

 

[dobegrant]

That is just an amazing work of art.

 

[Truckman]

Only negative would be that you may never find a nicer one.

Yep, you've reached the pinnacle, Richard...There's no place left to go...Rend your clothes, and get out the sackcloth and ashes...Wailing and gnashing of teeth will follow now......Ben

 

[6518John]

Most realistic animal faces Ive ever seen, and even have their own unique expressions. Absolutely over the top.

I think the bobcat/lynx next to the charging bear is thinking/saying—“Say Hello To My Little Friend!”

 

[RKmesa]

Engraved or nickeled first? Given the depth of the engraving, it seems like the nickel would break through, but I don't see how the detail would still show if someone nickeled over it.

It is engraved first then finished after it is engraved. I was 100% sure it was nickel, but after reading Jim’s post above, I’m now only 90% sure that the finish is nickel. Jim’s post above has caused me to consider some other alternative finishes.

Regardless, the finish is very nice and adds to the beauty of the engraving it is also not very thick - measured in microns, so it does not impact the beauty of the engraving.

 

[Frieda's Boss]

Spectacular gun! Thanks for sharing. As someone posted above, I sure hope Dot didn't shoot over her shoulder like that! Not sure what would be worse, the screaming tinitus for rest of your life, or catching your hair on fire.��

 

[RKmesa]

Richard, those are amazing pieces of art. We love your engraved guns but I'd really like to see more of your art too.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

That’s kind of you, Jeff. I am not overly talented, but have enough talent to have fun doodling. Most of my sketches are in lined notebooks, as i started drawing my professors in college to help pay attention - drawing on the right page, while taking notes on the left. Here are a few more portrait sketches:

 

[Truckman]

I would give up a lot to be able to "doodle" that well......Ben

 

[RKmesa]

Here are a few more photos of other fun engraving on the Lind gun…

 

[boykinlp]

That’s kind of you, Jeff. I am not overly talented, but have enough talent to have fun doodling. Most of my sketches are in lined notebooks, as i started drawing my professors in college to help pay attention - drawing on the right page, while taking notes on the left. Here are a few more portrait sketches:

OMG Richard, I realize that you don’t like to brag on yourself, so I will do it! Your drawings are amazing to me! Notice how I said drawings, and not doodlings. You have more talent in your pinky finger than I do in my whole extra large body! BTW, you are a pretty fair collector of fine engraved firearms too!! Since you showed some of your work, I’ll share some of mine. How long before you think I will be putting out doodles like yours?

Just for curiosity, approximately how long does it take you to do a drawing like those if you are only working on it? Thanks for sharing!
Larry

 

[DARE]

Richard,
A fabulous gun that belonged to a famous shooter. Doesn't get much better than that.
I'm also very impressed with your sketches. I would say you are quite talented. Could find a place for one on my wall. Send the one you like the least. That way you won't miss it.
Great thread!

 

[Truckman]

Here's a thought I just had for you to ponder, Richard...Maybe a "doodle" depicting Daniel B. and Horace looking at a laptop with an engraved RM on the screen...Caption it, "That darned RK Mesa outbid us again!"...Sign it, frame it and put it up for auction at the next S&W Symposium......Ben

 

[DARE]

Good idea, Ben. But actually any old sketch would do (although one of Roy Jinks would be pretty good).
I would bid and I'll bet many others would as well.
"A sketch by well known S&W collector RKmesa."

 

[Private Smith]

Exquisite!!!! An amazing example of Art & Craftsmanship merging into a unique revolver!! Congratulations!!

 

[AlHunt]

OMG Richard, I realize that you don’t like to brag on yourself, so I will do it! Your drawings are amazing to me! Notice how I said drawings, and not doodlings. You have more talent in your pinky finger than I do in my whole extra large body! BTW, you are a pretty fair collector of fine engraved firearms too!! Since you showed some of your work, I’ll share some of mine. How long before you think I will be putting out doodles like yours?

Just for curiosity, approximately how long does it take you to do a drawing like those if you are only working on it? Thanks for sharing!
Larry

You've really nailed the energy and motion of the S&W collector, rushing to his next acquisition. The subtle expression of barely contained joy at what he's found, I think is sublime. Obviously he's in such a hurry that he's blown every last hair off his head, which you have captured ... magnificently.

Bravo.

 

[22hipower]

Richard, those sketches deserve a better canvas. If you ever get tired of running a business I think you could make a living selling those. My favorite is the older lady in the first group, next to last sketch. Amazing detail; she could come to life off the page at any moment.

And I very much second the idea of an RKmesa sketch of something S&W showing up in the next Symposium auction,

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[22hipower]

Here are a few more photos of other fun engraving on the Lind gun…

I love guns with 100% coverage engraving and that one is fantastic; every place there could be engraving, there is!

Jeff
SWCa #1457