Tim Halloran of Iowa, who has been engraving since 1986, recently completed this nice 1860 Uberti Henry Replica Rifle for Aaron McMichael of Kansas.

The customer wanted a design that reflected the art of the period, as well as a nice dreamcatcher that serves as a frame and focal point. To capture the engraving of the late 1800s, Halloran studied different works such as those by L. D. Nimschke. One work in particular, an 1876 Winchester owned by Roosevelt, provided the basis for the buffalo and deer.

"They aren't quite anatomically correct," Halloran said with a chuckle. "You know, Nimschke likely never saw a buffalo or deer in his life." The American engraver worked from New York and is well known for his work done from about 1850 - 1900. "I have a great deal of respect for Nimschke," noted Halloran.

Tim commented that he started cutting the brass with a 90 degree graver geometry, but soon switched to a wider 110 to get better control and shallower cuts. He also tried out working with the GRS Monarch handpiece using power and a dotting punch for the background, which was a new process to him. "It was a learning experience," Tim said.

See more of Tim's work and read about his neat history on his website http://www.erhdesign.com/engraver/.