Engraving restoration on a CHE 20 2 barrel set.
 

This CHE 20g. 2 barrel set is getting a full restoration and there is no point in doing so if all aspects of the gun do not look like new. And the engraving cannot be forgotten when it comes to such a job.

Too many times I see guns "restored" where the bare minimum is done by way of polishing as to not compromise the engraving. And the result sometimes is pitting still evident under the restored case colors.

The only way to make it right again is to do what it takes to get a like new surface and then recut the engraving, where needed, by the proper hand.

This CHE 20 was not in the best shape, it had a good amount of fine pitting and plumb patina on all the metal. The photos below show first the condition of the metal before/during polishing.
Then the condition of the frame after polishing. And finally after all the engraving was re-cut by Geoffroy Gournet.

True before photos. Not the best quality. But you get the idea.

Attachment 49222

Attachment 49223

Attachment 49224

Starting of polishing. These were photos taken to document engraving before any was polished out.

Attachment 49225

Attachment 49226

Attachment 49227

Attachment 49228

Attachment 49229

These photos show the action after polishing is complete. Note the amount of engraving wiped out in order to get a true like new surface. Especially on the bottom.

Attachment 49230

Attachment 49231

Attachment 49232

Attachment 49232

Attachment 49233

These photos sow all the metal after the engraving was restored to like new.

Attachment 49234

Attachment 49235

Attachment 49236

Attachment 49237

Attachment 49238

Attachment 49239

Attachment 49240

Attachment 49241

Who says "restoration" is wrong?? A wonderful start to keeping this viable for another 100 plus years. Is this a client's gun or a personal project?
What are the barrel lengths and it looks like each set has it's own forearm.

This is a customer gun. Barrel lengths were originally 28 and 30. Unfourtunately one set has been cut back some. But at least it is still with the gun.

who was the engraver?

Geoffroy Gournet

Look him up on google





.

Very nice. Thanks for sharing. What do you use for polishing?

Files, diamond lap stones, cloth backed emory paper in varying grits. The typical supplies I am sure.

A great illustration of the importance of doing all the details correctly when restoring a gun. To do it right it takes many hours, attention to detail & the right craftsmen for the various jobs.

There's nothing like seeing five flying turnips given a new lease on life. :whistle:

Brian: Thanks for showing all of us how it should be done!!!! :bowdown:

wonderful, please post some pics of the whole gun when it is finished, including the stock.

That will be up to the owner of it to do. If he chooses to do so.