I'm in the process of buying a highwall action to make into a lightweight sporter in .30-40 Krag.   Before it goes off to have a barrel installed, I'd like to have the action engraved. Would anyone have example photos of engraved original Winchester 1885s engraving styles they would recommend that they'd like to post?  There are probably published books on engraved Winchesters, but I'm not familiar with them.  Also, does the engraving look better on a casehardened or blued action?  Were any Winchesters originally casehardened?  Thanks in advance.

Factory engraved Winchester 18852s are generally considered rare. I did a search for you,

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That would normally be a dollar two ninety eight charged to your account. Due to the holidays and my current alc blood content there is no charge. Merry Christmas. 

                          Joe. 

It might be worth taking a look in John Campbell's 2 vol set on the "walls".  As I recall he discusses factory engraving.   

Not sure where you could buy it---oops --spoke before I looked ---Track Of The Wolf shows them in their catalogue and I'm betting that Buffalo Arms does too.  You should also be able to get it through inter-library loan.   there are also some books out there strictly on engraving that might be helpful as will studying high-end auction catalogues

I totally agree with 40-Rod about the gold.  the ONLY gold that looks good to me is the narrow inlaid band at breech and muzzle, and MAYBE a hairline outlining the side panels.  Of course its nothing I'll ever have to deal with  
  As was said engraving is totally personal--it is commissioned art work and personalized your gun as much as a rusted in thumbprint--prettier and MUCH more expensive of course.   I personally would prefer a more understated elegant look.  More Audry Hepburn than Madonna or Anna Nichol Smith

Sometimes, less is more. The right engraving done tastefully and in the right quantity is beautiful. I'd stay with a blued finish and agree that gold can be gaudy. Stay away from birds & animals unless you've seen enough of the engraver's work to know that he/she can do them in correct proportion and posture.

Same subject, but different. There is a picture of a Hepburn on this forum (I think). The person had a limited budget and the work was done by one of the contemporary engravers. Just some scroll work in the corners, IIRC, but very attractive. Does someone know where to find it?      Chuck

Gambrandt?  I think thats the correct spelling. Missoula Montana I think, does fantastic work. Superb artistic ability.  

                Joe. 

Wm Gamradt  (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

Joe,

I like the moose and I like the Jos. Singer, it’s a Los Angeles gun!

Bob 

I'm not going to engrave a high wall, but I have a Plain Jane Aydt that is begging for some scratching.  For a couple of years, I have been thinking of having the likeness of a fair young damsel sans clothing engraved on the unencumbered side of the action.  The engraving I have in mind probably transgresses into the realm of pornography, so I will not be posting samples.   

I have never seen a rifle so engraved.  Is it done?  And is there an etching process that could be used?  And I'd request a PM if you know someone who might undertake such work.

waterman