First, what type of object do you want engraved?
Currently accepting items for commission. I work on Colts, Winchesters, custom sporting firearms, fine shotguns, and fine jewelry.
1911s, Colt SAA and Pythons are a specialty I am known for.
I am currently not accepting any Randall knives for engraving.
Third, how long will it take?
I work on a first in, first out process. This is established by the date the item or payment arrives. If an item is not engraving ready, payment can reserve your spot in line. A log is kept documenting when your items arrives.
Knife engraving takes 6 to 8 months to complete.
Firearms commissions take 8 to 14 months to complete.
What does it cost?
Each engraving commission is an original work of art, with its cost determined by the time, complexity, and craftsmanship required to bring the design to life.
Although I work in a variety of engraving styles, my preference is for my own signature American scroll.
This style lends itself to several background treatments, including stippled, lined, dot, and full relief. Each background style creates a distinctive visual character and requires different investments of time. Full relief carving is the most labor-intensive and accordingly, the most costly.
The value of the firearm, knife, watch, or jewelry does not determine the cost of the engraving. My pricing reflects the work involved in designing and executing the artwork, whether the canvas is a modest working piece or a distinguished collector firearm.
An engraving quotation covers the artistic design and its execution in the metal.
Metal preparation, final finishing, and any necessary gunsmithing are separate expenses. These services are performed by independent craftsmen. I can provide estimates to help you anticipate the overall investment, but their charges are beyond my control and may change during the course of a commission.
Precious-metal inlays are priced according to both the material used and the labor required to execute them. The craftsmanship generally represents a greater portion of the cost than the precious metal itself. I select materials for their quality and suitability to the design, most often using 24 karat gold.
Once we have established the scope of your commission, I will provide written confirmation by email and/or text outlining the agreed work, pricing, and payment terms. Subsequent changes to the scope, design, techniques utilized may result in additional charges.
What you need to know prior to contact...
Second, what condition is the item?
I prefer working on "engraving" ready items, meaning pieces which do not require preparation, restoration, or disassembly. Engraving ready means the metal surfaces are completely free of cosmetic defect, no coatings, and disassembled into the smallest individual components. Generally, these factors apply mostly to firearms related commissions as knives are usually worked on as complete, finished items.
Should preparation or restoration work be necessary, pricing for this work will be quoted seperately from the engraving quote. Often times secondary parties are required for this step.