Customer Reviews

British Gun Engraving

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is gun porn at it's finest. large glossy pictures of beautiful art that has been cut into steel. If you think you appreciate engraving this book will educate you and enthrall you.

Nice book, very nice pics, interesting text.
Another fine book that is similar is
"Fine European Gunmakers" by Marco Nobili.

This book features many exquisitely engraved sporting arms from these two highest level British makers, as well as those from Westley Richards and even some modern boutique double makers. Part 1 has a historic overview with photos of percussion era firearms showing the development of house style such as the familiar tiny scroll and bouquet covering of classic doubles, Celtic and Arts & Craft influences, and the innovations inspired by royal (price no object) patrons. Part 2 has dozens of plates of shotguns and double rifles, as well as a guide to modern engravers with a brief bio. and a few examples of each artist's work. Photography and reproduction are primo! Being British, most of these engravers never had made the showcase in various editions of Gun Digest. In addition, this book made me aware of one Harry Kell (died 1958) whose stylized realism of gamebirds and animals was very influential in the trade. One can also see some of the marblecake figure in the stocks of these wonderful sporting arms. For lovers of the double shotgun, and fine engraving from scroll to deeply cut and defined contours of animals and human figures, this book is a joy.

I loved the artistry of firarms engraving displayed within.

I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates this art form.