Engraved Ovals
 

Can a previous owner's initials be removed from an oval and re-engraved, or do you need a new oval?

Or simply leave it alone as part of the gun's history?

Appreciate any input.

I’m big on putting my initials on my trap guns. However if the prior owner engraved their initials, I leave it alone as part of the history of the gun. That’s just me.

If the ovals were not engraved, yes, I add my initials, but like John I leave the previous owner’s initials intact as part of the gun’s history. But “to each his own” as the saying goes.

It will depend on the thickness of the existing oval. I have a gun being restocked because the original stock is beyond repair. The stock told me he may be able to remove the initials and put mine in the oval. It just depends on the thickness.

Ken

While we're on the topic - who engraves these ovals? How can this be done?

Thanks

I sent two Repro buttstocks to Geoffroy Gournet to have the ovals engraved with my initials in the same font as my heirloom family silverware was done.

Delighted with the finished product!!



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It depends on how deep the engraving it and how thick the material is. Each one has to be taken on an individual basis.

Often a good jeweler will do a fine job. That's who has done mine.

I had my jeweler do one of mine several years ago. Came out just how I wanted it.





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I bought two guns at auction, on their own merits, with engraved ovals. Years later, after intense research, I found that the initials were of John Phillip Sousa. I'm glad I didn't erase the initials. I wrote articles on both guns for Double Gun Journal and the Remington Journal that display both guns. There are many areas of research that can uncover the identities of previous owners of your guns.