A while back I posted a set of ivory grips with inlays for a Colt I was working on. I've finally finished the rest of it and have surfaced for air (from out of the dungeon) so I thought I would post it. I've got one photo here that I took and will add the rest when the Colt comes back from the photographer. Anyway, I've learned a great deal from this project being my first actual commission. It took a year but I wasn't about to attempt any stage of this project until I had complete confidence in exceeding expectations (no room for mess-ups).
Once again, it's a West Virginia "theme" which was inspired by the West Virginia "theme" chopper I helped build and engrave last year. The gold scenes on this Colt match those on the motorcycle: the capitol dome in Charleston, Seneca Rock, the New River Gorge bridge and the Cardinal (the latter two on the other side). The top has the state seal surrounded by scroll. I get asked why I chose those landmarks and animals as opposed to others. Well, those match the ones that we chose to put on the motorcycle. I've been asked why I chose a dark bluing over a charcoal blue. Basically, I wanted to keep the entire job here in West Virginia - being a WV theme. Many folks take great pride like that here in this state and being a W.V. theme gun I thought it would be proper to do it all in-state. The one and only full service gunsmith that I know of only does hot nitre blue at this time. Well, enjoy.

BTW, was hoping to go to Reno with this but I've signed up for another GRS class with Lee. Ha ha ha Lee, you have to put up with me for a whole week. It will be three years - I can't wait!!!

Christopher Malouf
1/18/2007 1:48:03 AM

Almost Forgot,

Don't mind the wire tie. It was just there to remind me (and anyone else who came by to look at it) not to pull the slide back!!!


Christopher Malouf
1/18/2007 1:53:03 AM

Looks very nice, Christopher.
Sorry you will miss Reno.
But have fun with Lee at school.
Best regards, John.

John Barraclough
1/18/2007 9:51:55 AM

Looks real good! You would think Lee could teach you in one class...
Just kidding! Lee is a great teacher!


Rex Pedersen
1/18/2007 1:57:17 PM

Very nice Chistopher. That gold really pops out.

It's a real bummer when you have to make a choice like that. Enjoy your next class.

Cheers
Andrew

Andrew Biggs
1/19/2007 4:47:00 AM

Thanks guys for your comments. Andrew, after reading just the first few sentences of your article, I know you know precisely where I'm at. Your article is a great help, not only am I in a career transition, but I am defining where it is I am supposed to be within the art of engraving. Whether it is firearms, motorcycles, jewelry or all of the above. I justify my failure to charge what I should be by saying "as long as I'm doing what I love" and most of all, "I'm my own boss". I can pull an all-nighter working and spend the next day on the motorcycle. There's nobody staring down at me from over a cubicle wondering why I'm 5 minutes late. When it comes down to it, the hard reality is that even though I'm getting stuff done and am beginning to make a dent in the learning curve I am forced to make choices I shouldn't have to. Right now I feel as though I am only bound by my skill level. Each year I improve. Last year a vacation wasn't possible and a class or a trip to Reno was out of the question. This year is a class and a visit to the guild members near me. Next year it's all of the above. Thanks-again, I consider your article mandatory reading.

Christopher Malouf
1/20/2007 11:51:31 PM

Christopher- I like your design on this pistol. The gold and the silver inlays look good. I think mostly I like the balance of the three inlaid focal points. Great job

Mike

Robert Bissell
1/22/2007 8:49:16 AM