acid etching vs engraving

[jerrywh]

Robby.
looks like you started out about the same as I did. I don't see anything wrong with that example of yours at all. That's what I call German style chisel work or engraving. Not many people in today’s world can seem to do it. Keith Casteel is one of the best. It takes a special eye for three dimension. You got it in my book. Trouble is it's basically only fits on German Jaegers and German guns if one wants to be PC. But then I sure aren’t PC and don't care. If you could do gold work you could make some real money making flintlock German and European guns. I can't swear to it but I think Casteel sold one for around $60,000.00. Just a thought you might want to consider. Don't stop

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

I would not go the etching rout, there are other avenues as is evident with the posts above.

 

[LRB]

Very nice!

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Thanks,

I need to get back to practicing.

 

[Amikee]

Damn! I feel embarrassed now. You guys are great! That's what I need to work on. :bow:

 

[flashpanner]

Wow! some people should not be allowed to have this much talent!! Very nice clean and crisp! Not your first rodeo is it? How many hours do you have under your belt for this level of craftsmanship?

 

[hoochiepapa]

I would like to bring to everyone's attention my ignorant blunder, and the fact that I unintentionally copied Wick Ellerbe's flower and called it my own creation. I looked at this trigger guard and noticed that it would fit in a square, and then proceeded to try to create my own and actually copied him.

This was totally not intended, and I have apologized to him. It is my goal to come up with my own patterns, and I thought I was doing just that. And I just noticed it yesterday when I was looking at his beautiful work.
So everyone please accept my apologies.

 

[LRB]

I wouldn't really call that a copy. There are differences, and a flower is a flower. If you liked my flower, I don't mind if you try to copy it. My flower was inspired by one I saw on a Jud Brennan gun, but mine is slightly different from his also. Not a problem. I find it flattering unless there was some intent to defraud, and I am not good enough to be worthy of being counterfieted.

 

[crockett]

Wick: I don't want to steal the thread but someone told me etching on a knife blade wasn't popular until about 1810. On rifles I have no idea.
BUT...........This guy(I think you know who I am talking about) has been wrong before. Any info on when ethcing first started being used on knife blades?

 

[LRB]

I would have to believe as far back as when it was discovered that nitric acid would eat iron, and other metals. Decorative etching is an art unto itself, just as engraving. It is certainly older than 1810. As far as a makers mark, I truly don't know, but I do it to keep from stressing the steel, and having to remove said stress. I suppose I could engrave my name or mark, but while a bit time consuming, the etching is easy. Nitric acid was commonly used by gunsmiths, and others, so was definately available. I'll see what I can find on that.

 

[dave_person]

Acid etching probably goes way back. Claude Blair in his book on European and American Arms shows a beautifully etched Flemish sword from the 15th century. Just a few weeks ago I saw a wonderfully decorated bronze bowl made in China almost 3000 years ago that appeared to have been etched. Gun decorators in the 16th and 17th century often etched designs on barrels and locks and gilded the designs. The rough texture of the metal left by the acid enabled the gold to adhere very well.

dave

 

[LRB]

Rembrandt even did acid etches, as did Goya. Acid etching was also much used in printing plates, way back.

 

[Amikee]

 

[Amikee]

I have a two close up videos on youtube with nice details http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKdqIgL6VHA

All critique welcome! Thanks

No money=no problem

 

[LRB]

Good still shots are better to show, or set the camera, and move the gun. A little to jumpy to really see it.

 

[Amikee]

Hi Wick

Believe it or not it's 21 century and I have no camera. All pics are done with cell. But videos should be decent. There is 2 concerning the same gun. Thanks for reply my friend, I should look for a camera now.

P.S. I'd rather buy another BP rifle that camera, lol :grin: