doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Stock escutcheon engraving/sources

I have a Prussian Daly featherweight project gun in the works. The metal and forend on the gun are in terrific shape (lots of CC, untouched screws, etc.) but the butt stock is a goner - smashed through the wrist with several old repairs and missing splinters. I know some of our stock restorers can work miracles, but trust me that this one is a do-over.

When complete, this gun will be a gift. As part of the restock, I'd like to have a special escutcheon created for the gun. The current gun actually has an existing small silver escutcheon (unengraved!) that could be salvaged, but as luck would have it, there is a significant 1/4" scratch/ding in the edge of the oval escutcheon. It may still be salvageable.

I'd like to maintain the silver color of the current escutcheon. I have heard the material of the escutcheon described as "German silver", but I am unclear if that is reference to the color of the escutheon or the the actual material. Galazan has replacement finished nickel ovals and shields available. Peter Dyson offers unfinished silver escutcheons. So now for my questions:

1. Which material (nickel vs. silver) would be preferable? Is one material easier/better to engrave than the other? More durable? "Look" better? The gun in question is a circa-1896 Lindner Daly. My fear is that the nickel will look out of place on the gun. I am leaning toward the silver, but welcome input or other alternatives.

2. Once I have selected the oval, is it normal to have the stock completed first and then the escutcheon engraved or can these be done in parallel or reverse oder (i.e., provide an already engraved escutcheon to the stocker?)

I appreciate any input. I am excited about this project and eventually being able to present it to the person "helping" with the project. The gun is unusual in that it features gorgeous 28" damascus tubes with proper thicknesses (26" tubes are the norm on featherweight Dalys.) The gun currently weighs in at 5 lbs 12 oz (I am sure it will gain a few ounces with the restock as the gun has no buttpad and the new dimension will be a little longer.) Looking at the gun compared to another in my collection, it is obvious the weight saving were achieved primarily though the much smaller action dimensions. It should be something special when complete.

Thanks,
Ken

All the ones I've seen were sterling or 14kt gold. I've seen ovals, shields, circles and other shapes. They typically are installed and worked until they sit flush, the engraving comes later.

Nickel would be a travesty in my opinion but its just an opinion.

German Silver is an alloy of 60% Copper and 20% each of nickel and zinc. I know it used to be quite common but I don't know how widely it is used now. I'd go first class and use Silver.
Best Regards
Gene

I was in Del Whitman's shop last week and he was working on engraving the initials on oval gold piece he had inlet into the stock he was building for a high end English gun. Del inlet and polished the metal BEFORE the engraving, which he was doing himself. I assume this order is established to make sure the fit and finish is perfect and that it is easier to do so by sanding/grinding the metal in the inletting process rather than totally finishing the metal and then trying to inlet it to perfect depth and dimensions.

My understanding is that "German Silver" is an alloy that mimics the color of silver but does not tarnish (as silver will). I would go with sterling silver and rely on lacquer to avoid tarnish. Or go with "white gold".