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- Nov 26, 2005
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Hi Flinch,
Probably most good makers have made guns that mix styles and periods at some point in their careers. Sometimes it may be out of ignorance at the time, sometimes to experiment with new designs and methods, and sometimes just because it looked good. It all depends on objectives. When my client wants an historically accurate piece, I do everything I can to make it look as it should in every detail short of reliving history as I make it (meaning, I'll use an electric drill and modern lights). Even then, if the gun is engraved or carved, unless I am copying an original gun, the designs are historically inspired but they are my own. It that sense it is still a fantasy piece. However, I have studied decorative styles from the 15th through 19th centuries and know what I am doing to keep within the right historical parameters when designing my own work. At times my client may be a shooter who does not really care much for historical context, so I might build a John Noll inspired rifle with an L&R Durs Egg lock. It is not HC but it looks good and the shooter happened to like the style and wanted the lock. It all depends on my objectives.
dave
Probably most good makers have made guns that mix styles and periods at some point in their careers. Sometimes it may be out of ignorance at the time, sometimes to experiment with new designs and methods, and sometimes just because it looked good. It all depends on objectives. When my client wants an historically accurate piece, I do everything I can to make it look as it should in every detail short of reliving history as I make it (meaning, I'll use an electric drill and modern lights). Even then, if the gun is engraved or carved, unless I am copying an original gun, the designs are historically inspired but they are my own. It that sense it is still a fantasy piece. However, I have studied decorative styles from the 15th through 19th centuries and know what I am doing to keep within the right historical parameters when designing my own work. At times my client may be a shooter who does not really care much for historical context, so I might build a John Noll inspired rifle with an L&R Durs Egg lock. It is not HC but it looks good and the shooter happened to like the style and wanted the lock. It all depends on my objectives.
dave