Email project ideas to:
scengraving@hotmail.com

 When it comes to engraving a firearm, there are a number of factors that will affect the price of the project. Type of scroll, background treatment, type of metal on the gun, precious metal inlays, finish, metal prep etc. All of these will come into play in determining the price of the job. I tell most clients to decide on a budget first. Next pick some photos of engravings you like from the internet or books. I can then look at the project and determine whether your budget and expectations are in line. If not I can usually design something to fit  your budget. Keep in mind that you are essentially investing in a piece of art designed and cut by me, and not merely decorating a gun.  Hand engraving is simply art applied to a steel canvas rather than oil paints applied to linen.  As with most fine art, good work takes time. Unlike laser etching, which is considered as the "poster" of engraving,  All work is painstakingly cut by hand. Each of my engravings is a unique piece of artwork designed to fit the item it's applied to. In general my work starts at around $3000 for a full size pistol with 1/3 coverage. Full coverage guns start at around $10,000. Guns with gold inlay or scene work can easily involve several hundred hours. My shop rate is $100 per hour.   As you'll see below, no two projects are the same and labor/materials can vary wildly between engravings.
​Below are a few samples of finished projects and associated prices. Feel free to contact me concerning your project ideas. Please include the brand and model of your gun and what type of finish it currently has on it, along with any sample pictures you may have of engravings you have seen and liked. I am currently accepting limited commissions with an approximate waiting list of one year.  I am best contacted by email. once i have had a chance to evaluate your ideas,  we can schedule a time to speak by phone and discuss your project.
​scengraving@hotmail.com

Colt 1903 in traditional scroll $3000

Colt 1911 with extensive gold inlay $35,000

​Colt 1911 $5000

Lie Nielsen Handplane with deep relief background $4000

Bond Derringer with simple lined background $2000

Other factors that will affect pricing will include gun preparation, (metal work, disassembly etc), time spent designing unique artwork, and final finish costs. 

 At the Upper end of the spectrum is a gun like this Colt 1911 with exhibition grade scroll and gold inlay  $25,000 

Full Coverage Single Action Army. Deep relief exhibition grade scroll with extensive flush and sculpted gold and fine silver inlay. $30,000.

Extensive inlays like these will play a large role in labor and material charges, yet, gold inlay planned carefully can be affordable and is a great addition to any project. 

​Lie Nielsen #1 hand plane $2000

Smith and Wesson Revolver $3000

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To get a better idea of just what goes into a hand engraved firearm, visit my YouTube channel and  follow along through the microscope as I cut a section of this Colt 1911.