The Pictures Pages

[yahoody]

Some incredible guns shown here.  Gentlemen, thank you for sharing.  I'll add a matched pair that are new to me, that I am particularly proud of.



And a 2nd pair I have posted else where on the forum.

[Pangaea]

Yes, Capt. it is.  I'm going to post a couple of pics of it tomorrow, at least I'm going to try.

[Pangaea]

Here is SPD225666.  I've got to learn more about taking these pictures.  I've never been able to get the preview to work, is there a trick to it?

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Well, it does look better than it did when I sent it back to them over 10 years ago!  Still, I wanted "Master B" engraving and that sure looks like "Armory A" coverage to me.  Ah, well...  when the dust settled 10 years ago USFA did the right thing and gave me what I wanted, an ivory handled, nickel plated gun with a properly polished frame.

Pangaea,
Has Yahoody filled you in on the history of this gun?

Yahoody,
Did Adams & Adams do the "armory" engraving?  I thought they only did the "master" level of engraving.  

[yahoody]

I can't answer to that in full Cap'.  Although I have had A&A do a number of projects for me.  All were signed.   My impression is A&A did all the DT guns.  And none that I have seen are at a master level IMO. ( the guns that are cylinder only or just slightly more coverage than the cylinder)  Seems to be production engraving to me.  Also seems to be what USFA called "armory engraving"...no signature and not very deep.  Like anything,  you generally get what you pay for I expect.  A master level engraver can put out a lot of standard level engraving....in a short amount of time compared to one master level gun with true "C" coverage. 

Here is how Colt does it and the cost:
◾Standard: basic American style, engraver not recorded. C level  $1800
◾Expert: master quality scroll work, engraver signed and recorded. C level  $3260
◾Master: intricate scrollwork with precious metal inlays, signed by the engraver and recorded.  C level master is $7000

Much as I like my USFA guns..and I do.  Sure was a lot of smoke and mirrors going on there IMO from the very beginning when they were simply refinishing. repackaging and then reselling Uberti guns, right up till the lights went out on 100% USA built guns and the last  "historical letters"  were being signed long after the CNC machines were sold off and the doors were locked.       

[Pangaea]

Pangaea,
Has Yahoody filled you in on the history of this gun?

Capt., yes he did give me a pretty good rundown on the history behind it.  Seems like a nice weapon to me, I'm going to have to learn all the differences in these engraved pistols.  I'm just not educated enough on the subject to know which are "Amoury" and "Master".  I must say, I do like them all.

[yahoody]

Here is what I have learned about engraving.  It was/is an expensive lesson.  It is worth what I paid for it and what you are now

Engraving is history carved in metal.  Once done not easy to go back in time.  Like it for what it is.  Simple as that.  I have nice engraved guns that now I wish could have been done differently.

They are what they are.  Learning to enjoying the differences in the artisan's skills and styles is what makes them fun for me.
No question it is a learning experience.

But they are just guns.  Expensive guns at that!   To be a "nice" engraved gun for me they have to be so beautiful/stunning as art that I won't shoot them....art in metal.  Or such a good gun it deserves to be engraved and used.  Used a lot!  I have a few of both.  I like the users more.  And dislike their engraving by comparison.  Go figure    Never said any of this made sense.

[Pangaea]

Those are some really pretty guns. 

[yahoody]

[yahoody]

[yahoody]

[yahoody]

recent John Adams Sr. 45s all blued.

[Sharky]

All I can say is " WOW " !!!

recent John Adams Sr. 45s all blued.

[yahoody]

Thanks!  John Adams does nice work doesn't he?

[LonesomePigeon]

Very nice!

[yahoody]

American Black Walnut and a 7.5" Rodeo.

[shrapnel]

Here is a USFA Lightning, next to an original Colt. The quality is outstanding and it functions quite well even though it is a 45 and the original is a 44-40...

[Pangaea]

That Colt is in very nice condition. Is it in original condition?  If so, somebody took very good care of it.  A couple of very nice rifles. I have several of the USFAs.  I find them to be a lot of fun, even with their quirkiness.

[m.mac86]

Rodeo bought in 08 for the princely sum of $625, oh memories...

[Buckaroo Lou]

My Rodeo II with new Elk horn stocks

https://i.imgur.com/DR7BmLW.jpg[/img]]

https://i.imgur.com/lWwLGFN.jpg[/img]]