"It's not
a real mustache unless
you can see it from behind!"
Artist Bio
Gallery of Guns
Show Schedule
Pricing
Demonstration
Scrimshaw
Knives
Engraving Classes
Gunsmithing
Links
Contact Info
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Thank you for
visiting!! I hope this site will help make you familiar with my
work and me (as much as that is possible to
do in this electronic medium). I find that the web and e-mail are
fine for initial contacts, but by the time you have decided to have me
engrave for you, personal contact is a must, either by phone or face to
face at one of the many shows I do.
I have
been engraving, full time, since 1979, beginning with Scrimshaw
(The Art of Engraving on Ivory). I learned to make silver and
gold jewelry so as to mount my scrimshaw and soon began hand engraving
jewelry. I progressed into knife engraving
(which is still a large part of the work I do), perfecting my engraving
skills until the time I cut my first gun in 1988. Since then I have
engraved an average of 50 guns and dozens of custom knives a year.
I have included in my Gallery
of Guns photos of Revolvers, Semi
Auto Pistols, Bolt Action Rifles
and Floor Plates, Shotguns, and
several pages of photos of Lever Action Rifles
and Single Action
Revolvers used in Old West Shooting which has become, in the last
few years, very popular and a focus of much of my work and
style. My work reflects the great engravers of the mid to late
1800's, such as L.D. Nimschke, and is now an exceptional style for the
guns of the cowboy shooter. Most people find my prices very
reasonable with the average gun I cut at only $400-$800. Pricing
depends not on the material I cut, whether stainless steel, brass, blue
steel, etc., but on the amount of detail, background, and
coverage. In addition to my engraving I offer some refinishing,
bluing, and gunsmithing
services.
For many years now I have done shows and shoots though out
the country, working at each show, demonstrating and
explaining the art of engraving, which most folks have never seen
done. This has lead to a formal class I give at
my shop in Springfield, Missouri.
Through demonstrating, personal
contact and prompt, affordable service, I have built many rewarding
relationships with promoters, dealers, and shooting enthusiasts
throughout the country. I look forward to a similar relationship with you.
Please take the time to browse all of the pages and photos
I have put
together and feel free to give me a call with your questions. I
look forward to hearing from you. Please keep in mind that I
travel often to shoots around the country and will return your call or
e-mail as soon as I can. For further information please call me at 417-865-5953 or
email me at handlebar@thegunengraver.com You may also write
me at...Jim Downing * P.O. Box 4224 * Springfield, Mo 65808
P.S. I am a member of
The Firearms Engravers Guild of America and work extensively
with members of NCOWS and SASS.
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