A Visit From Master Engraver Paul Lantuch

Recently we were privileged to have a two-week visit from master engraver Paul Lantuch as he completes the finishing on a pair of ornate guns that had just returned from case colour hardening. As those of you may already know, Paul is the mind behind the elaborate 'India' and 'Africa' .600 sidelock double rifles that were completed in recent years. These were some of the largest engraving commissions undertaking here at Westley Richards and Paul continues to execute on our behalf projects of outstanding quality, creativity and technicality.

By Trigger

During his visit, we took many photos that we thought would be worth sharing with you as they show part of the process involved in the careful removal of the case colour hardening and subsequent re-working of the gold inlay as executed on this pair of shotguns. It goes without saying that the work was both time consuming and delicate. We will share the final results with you when the entire project is complete.

The component parts as returned from case colour hardening.

Re-detailing the top lever and sharpening the edges of the carving.

Re-matting (or stippling) the goldwork was a labour of love.

The gold edges needed careful blending.

One side of the action as yet untouched.

The horsemen now gently brushed back and the sculpting highlighted.

By Trigger

4 Comments

Peter Buckley. on February 9, 2019 at 9:28 pm

Trigger

How privileged has one got to be to witness and be present during the work in progress of such a world renown artistic engraver such as Paul, I suppose being the manager of “Westley Richards” qualifies you to a certain degree, “what about the rest of us”.

FABULOUS INCREDIBLE .

Peter.

Reply
Ken Hill on February 12, 2019 at 4:48 pm

Trigger,

A very interesting commission. Thank you for showing us some of this type of engraving process. What is the engraving theme?

Best,
Ken

Reply
- Trigger on February 12, 2019 at 5:05 pm
  
  Hi Ken
  
  These guns depict Arabic tribal warrior scenes. The actual warriors are carved with the backgrounds all inlaid in gold. The guns will be photographed in full and pictures posted on this blog shortly.
  
  Best regards
  
  Trigger
  
  Reply
Johnn L Miller on February 13, 2019 at 9:24 pm

Beautiful work!! I'm proud to own a 357 new model Blackhawk that
was engraved back in 1982 by Paul Lantuch. It is stainless with a 6 1/2
inch barrel. Has a deer head on one side and in completely engraved.
I received it from a relative that passed away and would like to know more
information. Ruger sent me the basics: Model 00319-serial # 35-95105.
It is of course beautiful also. This is probably one of Paul's earliest works
.

Reply