Finished engraving a buttplate

[dave_person]

Hi Friends,
The photo below shows a buttplate for and early 17th century fowling gun that I finished engraving this weekend. In common with a lot of decorative art at the time, it tells a story through symbolism. The soldier or musketeer represents strength, ambition, and glory. The pretty woman's portrait represents achievements, treasure, objects to be acquired during life. The soldier looks alarmed because he is facing death, something suggested by the skull. The message: despite our achievements and glory, death wins out in the end. This was a common parable used in the 16th century. Because the design is French, the story ends with a happy note. The winking "greenman" at the bottom indicates that after death there is rebirth and regeneration. I hope you enjoy the photo. It was fun to engrave and telling a story made it even more so.

dave

 

[bamajim]

Well done Dave. I would like to see the whole rifle when finished. I can see it is going to be a very nice piece.

 

[ZUG]

VERY nice work Dave -- steady hand and a clear mind - thanks for "show & tell" :hatsoff: !

 

[wulf]

Not only is your engraving excellent, but your
composition of characters shows your combined
talent... :hatsoff:

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

Very nice. :thumbsup:

 

[Glenfilthie]

Dave the engraving is flawless but for me the photography is left wanting.

Can you help an old fart out and post a more detailed close up?

I would love to see how you managed to shade the various elements so successfully. What is the metal? Pewter?

Is this your gun, or is it commissioned work for some filthy rich old guy like Zonie or Swampy? :grin:

 

[Pete Gaimari]

Beautiful work Dave. :bow:

 

[hoochiepapa]

Very nice work. I'm hoping to get my graver soon, and maybe you can steer me, along with others. :bow:

 

[dave_person]

Hi Glen,
Here you go. The engraving is not flawless but it gets the job done. I am building this gun for myself. I am not a commercial builder just an amateur. I mostly build guns as gifts for family and friends. Mostly, I am interested in the old firearms as wonderful examples of decorative arts.

 

[rabjr]

:bow:

 

[Capt. Fred]

Now that's a hoot. I love the leaves coming off of the bottom face. Very nicely done and not overdone at all. :thumbsup:

 

[Glenfilthie]

Ahhh...thanks Dave. Why, that looks better close up than it does far away! Sadly most of my efforts end up the other way around! :idunno:

Looking at work like that just makes my day.

 

[dave_person]

Thanks, Glen, Capt. Fred, and everyone,
I appreciate the comments. The fowling gun has 46 separate bone, mother of pearl, copper, and brass inlays, all of which are engraved. I've spent so much time bent over engraving my work like a hunch-backed troll that I think I lost 2 inches of height.

dave

 

[msuspartan]

Dave,

Your work is practicaly flawless! :bow:
You have the typical artist syndrome, you are harder on your work than anyone else! :rotf:
Seriously though, the artistry, composition, shading and historical background are worthy of your trade. I LOVE the winking Green Man.(I am of Celtic heritage)
Wish you were near Indiana, you would have a new customer. Brilliant work and pure pleasure to see a story behind it. Even my wife was completely impressed.

(Now get back to work before your head and ego explode from all the great compliments :blah: :rotf: :blah: )

Look forward to the whole rifle.

Cheers, DonK

 

[dave_person]

Thank you Don,
That was a very nice compliment and I appreciate it. I don't worry too much about my ego because every time I work on a new engraving project, I eventually do something really stupid that deflates my ego like a leaking balloon. Then I sit and ponder, is everyone else this dumb or is it just me?

dave

 

[RhinoDave]

Thanks for sharing. You do beautiful work. :bow: :thumbsup: :hatsoff:

 

[dave_person]

Hi Colin,
"I eventually do something really stupid that deflates my ego like a leaking balloon. Then I sit and ponder, is everyone else this dumb or is it just me?"

Does that explain it. Thanks for the compliment, Colin.

dave

 

[gordy]

Extremely well done . :hatsoff:

 

[jerrywh]

Dave .
Looks like your off to a good start. You better watch out it's adictive. You have a good eye for perspective.

 

[George91946]

Very awesome. Congratulations on the wonderful job. I especially like the shading and 3-dimensionality of the piece. Can I ask you to give a synopsis of your learning curve? How did you begin and how did you get so good?

Thanks

Lisle George