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.
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Before 2.jpg
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Starting of polishing. These were photos taken to document engraving before any was polished out.
Left Side 1.jpg
Right Side 1.jpg
Tang 3.jpg
Trigger Plate 1.jpg
Breech 2.jpg
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.
Polished 2.jpg
Polished 4.jpg
Polished 3.jpg
Polished 3.jpg
Polished 1.jpg
These photos sow all the metal after the engraving was restored to like new.
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