Now, it’s no stretch to say that engraving is what Roger is best known for. Although his skills and interests branch in many other directions, this field is where the core of his talent is best displayed. His work is highly sought after among gun collectors who want the very best engraving on their special pieces. Because of his training as a gunsmith, Roger is not only capable of engraving a new gun, but also restoring and re-engraving old ones. More examples of his work are shown below. Additionally, some of Roger’s other firearm work can be seen on his miniature gun projects page. As a disclaimer, all engraved designs shown below are copyrighted by Roger Ronnie, and may not be copied or reproduced in any form without written permission.
Gun and Watch Engraving
Shotgun Engraving
This over/under shotgun by Perazzi is engraved with an intertwining early American style scroll. Note the three dimensional “rope” style of scroll that wraps around from one side of the gun to the other. The word, “Special” is inset here, but difficult to see at this stage of the process.
Shotgun Engraving
The golden inset words don’t show up well at this point, because the metal is in the “white” stage. Once the gun parts are blued, the gold inlay will stand out better against the darker metal. In this image the words, “Perazzi Mirage” are inset.
Shotgun Engraving
The trigger guard for the Perazzi shotgun.
Shotgun Engraving
A close-up view of the top of the Perazzi.
Ruger Engraving
A Ruger No. 1 with antelope engraving surrounded by English style scroll with oak leaves.
Ruger Engraving
Pocket Watch Engraving
The backside of a Tissot pocket watch engraved by Roger. The small scroll is about 1/16” in diameter. This project took about 125 hours to complete.
Deer Engraving
A multi-color engraving of a white-tailed deer adorns this part.
Mauser Engraving
An engraved trigger guard for a Mauser type action. The Grizzly bear marks it’s territory by scratching as high as it can reach on a suitable tree. Just a little higher than this engraved bear can reach are the marks of a larger Grizzly. The bear is turning around wondering where this big fella might be. There is more than meets the eye with some of Roger’s engraving, and these elements of humor and storytelling add even more to the artistry.
Mauser Engraving
A cheetah surrounded by two different styles of scroll adorns this Mauser type action.
Rifle Engraving
A rifle receiver and trigger guard get Roger’s special treatment. That includes both engraved scrolls and inlaid color, which are intertwined.
Cheetah Engraving
A cheetah floorplate is mounted to a gun.
1/2 Scale 1910 Lefever “Thousand Dollar Grade” Shotgun
One of Roger’s most recent engraving projects is for a 1910 Lefever “Thousand Dollar Grade” shotgun. The following photos show a preview of the engraving that will adorn almost every visible part of the shotgun. To see the finished shotgun, visit Roger’s miniature guns page.
Lefever Shotgun Ornament
This photo shows the special engraved gold ornament that goes on the shotgun grip cap, sitting on top of a US quarter for scale reference. The ornament identifies the gun as being the rare Thousand Dollar Grade model. Roger had to grind special gravers to do some of this extremely small work.
Lefever Shotgun Side Plate
A side plates for the shotgun. While this plate covers less than one square inch in area, it’s richly engraved with ducks and scrollwork. The words, “Lefever Arms Co.” on the left are a mere 0.0145” high.
Lefever Shotgun Tang
Extremely fine engraving on the top tang is put into scale when placed next to a US dime.
Lefever Shotgun Trigger Guard
The unfinished trigger guard, with birds and an inlaid gold hunting dog.
Lefever Shotgun Trigger
The trigger has very fine checkering.
Ruger #1 Project
The following photos show a sample of another one of Roger’s latest projects. This engraving work is for a full-size Ruger #1. It involves both gold inlay work as well as intricate engraving covering almost every surface of the receiver. Roger worked on this project for most of 2013, and submitted these photos in December of that year.
Ruger #1 Engraving
Note the realism of the gold deer head—a specialty of Roger’s.
Ruger #1 Engraving
Ruger #1 Engraving
The gold inlay work will show up better after the parts receive their blued finish.
Ruger #1 Engraving
Ruger #1 Engraving
These last photos were taken after the bluing process was completed.
Ruger #1 Engraving
The gold inlay work on the Ruger barrel shows up much better in this stage.
Ruger #1 Engraving
Return to Roger Ronnie’s main page.
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Makers of precision miniature machine tools and accessories. Sherline tools are made in the USA.
Sherline is proud to confirm that Roger Ronnie uses Sherline tools in the production of some of his small projects.