Engraving chaser recommendations

[David Noble]

Originally Posted by James J. Roberts

I was asked by a client to engrave his rifle receiver cutting through the bluing and I told him it's unprofessional and I would never do. J.J.

J.J. I respect your opinion on that, however I'd like to relate a story from my past around 35 years ago. I had acquired a very pristine Colt Python 6" barreled revolver with that exquisite royal blue finish. It had been very tastefully engraved through the bluing over most of the flat areas of the frame with engraving about equivalent to what you see on a G grade Parker (sans the game scenes). The pattern was light and wispy and left in the white. At the time I could not believe someone would do that to this gun. I did however find it extremely attractive and gave the seller the full retail value of a used Python at that time. (I believe it was $600). I kept the gun for myself and admired it often. About six months later I mentioned it to a friend that was a collector of Colts and S&Ws. He said he would like to see it so I agreed to take it to the gunshow that weekend and let him handle it. Once it was in his hands I got nervous because I could tell he was coveting it a bit too much. Sure enough he asked what I wanted for it. I told him I wasn't trying to sell it, that I just brought it because he asked to see it. He said, Okay it's not for sale but how much would you have to be offered to change your mind? I thought for a bit and decided $2600 would scare him off. His bank bag was whipped out from under the table and he held the cash out for me to take. This man was my friend and I didn't want to waffle on the deal so I somewhat reluctantly sold him the Python. He put the gun in a pouch and set it under the table. I never saw that gun again. I wonder if he was just smitten or did he know something I didn't.