Drew, thanks for starting this thread. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder. I think we can all appreciate the composition of your first Kilby, but we also might think the dog engraving somewhat unrealistic--------but the whole thing is beautiful.
If one thinks of game birds as great table fare, those lovely big breasted birds with small wings on the Meriden are attractive in that way. Not much realism, though.
I think, personally, I like the scenes to match the purpose of the arm being engraved. Thus no elk on doubles and to a somewhat lesser extent, I'd prefer not to see setters hunting ducks. Possibly an interesting post would be engraving of one type of animal. We have setters, pointers, fox, versitle dogs, etc Then we have waterfowl, pheasants, quail, snipe, woodcock, etc, too.
I personally think the Kilby woodwork engraving on the cheeks and the checkering on many of those guns is very poor and crooked indeed......and yes, the dogs/birds are cartoon like in appearance on the Kilby and others, laughable for sure......IMO.....Why doesn't the woodwork at least match the engraving in quality........?........Some even have screw slots that miss the center by a mile, but they are engraved..........
