Lightning Rifle Engraving

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USFA 2008 Retail Pricing

USFA 2007 Retail Catalog

Lightning Rifle Engraving

Grape Leaf Pattern with Squirrel. The opening of the Orient in the late 19th Century had an influence on the arts & culture of America including gun engraving. The engraving shown above is carefully proportioned to fit the size of the frame and follow the lines of the frame.

Grape Leaf Pattern with Bear. The Grape Leaf Pattern was original to the period when the Lightnings were first introduced around 1884. The USFA Custom Shop engravers have studied these patterns for the Lightning series and perfected the technique.

As with the Bear above almost any motif can be inset in the engraving: initials, monograms, different animals, including the gargoyle were common options in the 1880’s.

Grape Leaf Pattern with Stag. Many motifs are adaptable to the open work surface of the Lightning. Your hunting dog or an illustrated panel of animals, fox & hounds, are possible. Please see the USFA Pricing Guide (PDF) for details.

Running Stag

Fallow Deer Hunting Scene

Lightning Rifle Engraving

Bank Note Engraving. Executed with only the use of a fine scoring tool, Bank Note Engraving is most often seen on currency. Today, this rare talent is available from the USFA Custom Shop.

Deep Relief Scroll. Performed with heavy chisel cuts, the deep relief scroll gives a 3rd dimension to the engraving.

American Scroll with Lion. Combining the influences of the European styles, the American Scroll is what is most frequently seen on fine guns today. Work by USFA master engraver, Dennis Kies.

Fine English Scroll. Developed from the German tradition of engraving the English scroll is the smallest and most difficult pattern found on guns today.

American Eagle with Shield

All scenes from early 19th century circa 1835. Scenes can be engraved on frame flats of Lightning Rifle surrounded by scrolls or vine and grape leaf motif.

Engraved Lightning Rifle with Grape Leaf Pattern with Squirrel.