My copy is Vol. 102 of 500 numbered in Winston’s own handwriting. All of these 500 copies are personally numbered and identified in this same manner.
This is an expensive book, yet it’s unlike any literary work on engraving in many significant ways. Some of you will immediately decide you should own it. Others may wonder if they should invest in one or not. If you aren’t sure, you should seriously consider buying one to avoid the possible regret when it is sold out.
One of the biggest factors determining the value of this book is its very limited supply: 500 in total, with a significant number of these kept by Mr. Churchill and Mr. Eaton for their personal library and special friends. My copy is Vol. 102 of 500 numbered in Winston’s own handwriting. All of these 500 copies are personally numbered and identified in this same manner.
For the engraver and collector, this magnificent book is clearly a treasure. The first thing you see inside is a hand-applied and signed Churchill print of two grouse perched in a pine tree with a third in flight in the background, reproduced from an actual engraving Winston did on a 28 gauge shotgun. This establishes the book as something special before you read its first words.
Owning this book brings us a little closer to this renowned American artist and engraver, and the magic he makes.
Some people have met and even studied under Mr. Churchill, but many folks will never have that chance. Owning this book brings us a little closer to this renowned American artist and engraver, and the magic he makes. It not only captures the finished art, it shares some of the special techniques Winston used to create it.
In addition to those who love the engraving arts, some people will buy this book just for investment. I’ve seen limited edition, out-of-print books sell for thousands of dollars online. This work by Churchill could understandably be one of those in the future.
An issue important to me is that Mr. Churchill is an American artist. Engraving at this Grand Master level is historically unusual for Americans compared to Europeans. There are many fine books featuring the works of European Master Engravers, but this one is about a world-class American artist engraving the most classic of American firearms, the single action Colt pistol.
Many folks don’t know how versatile an artist Mr. Churchill truly is...but this book reveals some of his other talent besides his well known role as engraver.
It’s simply an irresistible partnership between the artist and this iconic “canvas” of steel. And, it signifies the growing place American engravers have in the field of world-class engraving. But there is so much more in this wonderful book in addition to the exquisite Colt .45 that prompted its printing.
The title of this book, The Churchill-Eaton Colt .45, is misleading. It is not just about a single gun, it is about decades of a renowned artist’s life. To informed engravers and those who understand engraving, there are those distinct lessons from Winston, the teacher, showing how he created this magnificent Colt pistol for Hugh Eaton. But by my count, there are 32 other works of Churchill art and engraving shown in addition to this featured Colt.
More accurately, this book is about fine art. Certainly the predominant form is metal engraving on firearms, but it also includes custom knives, gold jewelry, bronze sculpture, some history of engraving and high-end still photography by example. Many folks don’t know how versatile an artist Mr. Churchill truly is, but this book reveals some of his other talent besides his well known role as engraver.
Mr. Churchill has been described as somewhat private and reclusive at times. I suppose that’s fairly true depending on the who, what and where of the situation. But it simply could be that his inspiration and creativity have important roots in the remote Vermont farm where he lives and works.
Winston is a naturalist in his own way. He loves and is inspired by the natural beauty around him. During 2007, he told me with joy and excitement that he had recently drawn what he considers a perfect leaf. I expected to see something really ornate and incredible, but what he showed me was a surprisingly simple pencil drawing of a single leaf on white paper.
As I studied this particular leaf further, I realized that the artistic perfection he wanted me to see comes from natural balance and harmony, not the glitter of gold or detailed complexity. As I thought about the decades Winston has drawn and engraved leaves as an artist, it made me realize that to him, the leaf not only looked right, it felt right. Art is about feelings and the true artist is strongly fueled by those feelings.
This book took a lifetime for Winston Churchill to make. If you are reading this now, I hope you realize that, yes...it’s well worth it...buy yours and enjoy!
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