The art of Hand Engraving
Layne Zuelke - FEGA and COLT Master Engraver
scengraving@hotmail.com
Hand Engraving is a centuries old art form that has changed little since craftsmen first started embellishing metal objects with a chisel. Today with modern tools and techniques we have transformed hand engraving from simple firearms decoration into a form of fine art that rivals anything you'll find in museums. Over the years I have engraved a wide variety of items ranging from firearms and knives to jewelry and fine tools. Today I mainly focus on firearms engraving. Contact me to discuss your project and we'll create a one of a kind artwork that will be cherished for generations to come.
Browse the pages here and most of your questions will be answered. Scroll below to see some samples of my work or visit the "Custom Work" page to better understand the process and see some sample pricing. Visit the "Products" page for educational materials and engraved items when available.
Browse the pages here and most of your questions will be answered. Scroll below to see some samples of my work or visit the "Custom Work" page to better understand the process and see some sample pricing. Visit the "Products" page for educational materials and engraved items when available.
2022 Colt Collectors Assoc. Show Gun
Traditional Colt Vine Scroll
Case by Stephen Parker - SAP Fine Furniture
This pistol is one of a set of Great Western Arms SAA clones that was passed down to me by my great grandfather, Harold "Lucky" Lochmann.
I decided to engrave a tribute gun to him and chose an Air Force theme since he was an aircraft mechanic during WW2 and the Korean war. Hundreds of hours in the making, this gun has multiple raised and flush gold inlays including a P51 Mustang, a B17 Bomber, a replica set of his dog tags in fine silver as well as a tiny 1/2" Snap On wrench on the bottom of the grip frame. It's finished in an antique blue that I developed just for this project. The gun was given the Artistic Uniqueness award by GRS Tools at the 2018 FEGA Convention.
I decided to engrave a tribute gun to him and chose an Air Force theme since he was an aircraft mechanic during WW2 and the Korean war. Hundreds of hours in the making, this gun has multiple raised and flush gold inlays including a P51 Mustang, a B17 Bomber, a replica set of his dog tags in fine silver as well as a tiny 1/2" Snap On wrench on the bottom of the grip frame. It's finished in an antique blue that I developed just for this project. The gun was given the Artistic Uniqueness award by GRS Tools at the 2018 FEGA Convention.
To learn more about gun engraving and to see how it's done, be sure and visit Master Engraver TV on Youtube where I post videos featuring hand engraving techniques. You'll get a peek into the studio and a close up view through the microscope as I work.
Firearms Engravers Guild of America
2019 Auction Gun
Castings of the FEGA Colt 1911 are now availavle on the product page.
Colt 1911 in Antique blue
Colt 1903
Thai Royal Colt 1911s
Cased by Stephen Parker - SAP Fine Furniture
This set of 3 1911s was custom made for a client based on Caspian frames and slides then engraved with finely shaded American scroll. They wear ivory grips with scrimshaw logos by Katherine Plumer.
Lie-Nielsen #1 cut for SAP Fine Furniture
Lie-Nielsen #1 Bronze Handplane w/ Fine Silver Inlay
Member of Firearms Engravers Guild of America