Thinking about the Pattern

The gunmakers here in the UK all have their own house styles of engraving and their guns can often be recognised from a distance by these patterns. This said, all the gunmakers are willing to put almost any style of engraving on their guns that the customer wants. Here the art of gentle persuasion comes in; you may think that the customer is always right and that is how he should feel, but some things are not such a good idea when engraved on or gold inlayed into guns. Please think what it will look like, not just for a few months after you get your gun back, but in a few years time when you have been looking at it a lot and your friends have all seen it.

This is one of the reasons that the standard patterns came about. They give a good sense of identity with the gunmaker, have a wide appeal and as the guns get older they acquire a nice patina that enhances the look of the engraving and therefore the gun. Game scenes and gold inlay work all have their place in an embellisher's work, but they should be thought about very carefully and if possible discussed with the engraver.

Think about what you have seen and liked on other guns and more important not liked. Do you like the tight fine scroll work with or without roses, or do you prefer the open scrolls with a dark background that forms a contrast, acanthus leaf, strap-work or a bit of a mixture. You may have a favourite corner on your shoot and that could be used as the back ground to a pheasant scene. The choice is yours, but think carefully and be prepared to change your mind after you have spoken to the engraver.