Gun Engraving in the Old West

[@Ulquiorra4163]

Y'all missing something else about engravings: the fact that they can be a sign of the owner's pride or affection (to a degree) for it. Remember that guns around that time were pricy investments so you tended to take care of it and it took care of you when you needed it. So you might decide to get engravings to show the weapon some 'affection' or 'thanks' after it saved your or someone else's life. You can even expand on if it's an heirloom, passed down and used by the next family member, each one potentially adding onto it more engravings till you get the work of art some engraved guns can be. Proper engravings can tell a untold story of many years.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Sure.

[@double-eagle-dave]

Yes that is a great point some of my guns that were handed down to me were notched which got me curious so I traced it back as far as I could and found out they were notched perticuler for identification alot of guns were same make model back then so it wasent uncommon for 8 cowboys all to have the same colt and Henry in camp so they sometimes engraved or notched them the same way as branding stock works just with stock shooting iron

[@Thoroughly_Wet]

They're still pricey

[@HansBelphegor]

My 357 and my 10mm saa were both 800$ a pop

[@mpetersen6]

Native Americans also gussied up firearms. Primarily long guns. Mainly with decoration added to the stocks.

[@Aswaguespack]

My late friend Jimmy G. was a life long professional jeweler and he spent many years working on his engraving skills. No computer or laser engraving. He had to do it the old fashioned way. Jimmy was also a truly exceptional jazz tenor saxophonist and one of my dear friends and mentors. His engraving was of high quality and he never considered himself to be an expert although his engraving to my eyes was of high quality and very impressive. RIP Jimmy. Thanks Santee. This morning’s topic brought back fond memories of my good friend.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

RIP Jimmy!

[@Aswaguespack]

@@ArizonaGhostriders Thanks.

[@357Dejavu]

I love engraved firearms!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I do too.

[@killerkraut9179]

After my knowledge Politicians in Power or rulers of the Time often get them for free!

[@chrissewell1608]

Some of the most beautifully engraved firearms I have ever seen, are the European shotguns, and African safari, hunting guns. I like to inlay paint, the engravings on modern guns. It helps me see what it says, and adds a touch of flash!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Elgegance.

[@E3ECO]

"I never knew any fancy scratchings to make a gun shoot any straighter." -- Heath Barkley.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Great quote! So random. Love it.

[@mherod51]

Glad to contribute to this weeks episode 😊 Santee. Always happy to help you out.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@joemortimer1763]

Always loved looking at these detailed engravings. Great job Santee! Maybe Bill can distract while you swipe! 🤣

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

HAHA!

[@Milty2001]

I love the fact that engraved guns are considered pieces of art it makes the them very special to whoever owned it

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yet still encouraged to be used as tools by their manufacturer!

[@anangryranger]

Thanks for another fine video!👍 Fifty years ago, after graduating from the gunsmithing school in Trinidad Colorado, I apprenticed under an old master gunsmith for four years with no pay just to learn from him. This man was an absolute master craftsman. Taught by a couple of old German gunsmiths, and spent years in the Colt Custom Shop. He could do it all. Engraving, inlays, wood carving. The works. Sadly, I have no artistic skill, and could never engrave worth a hoot.😟

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

WOW! Thanks for sharing.

[@rhondaz356]

This was so cool. What talent, and patience that must have taken to do those amazing engravings, manually. AS ALWAYS, this was a riveting video, from beginning to end. Enjoy the holiday weekend, Santee and friends.🥳🌞🤠👏👏👏

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@PrinceApollo117]

I’ve engraved every gun in own in red dead 2, even changed the metal on each to gold. Combined with the Suit I own, I’m surprised no one has robbed me yet.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Wow!

[@chubbethsthunder]

Santee, Absolutely Awesome. Thank you very much. You and your family have a beautiful and blessed weekend.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome

[@byazura9824]

The shootist made me fall in love with engraved guns

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I liked the grips, too.

[@sarahcrews2544]

I love this channel and look forward to my Saturday morning bc of this channel.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You! Very much appreciated

[@indigowolf556]

That was some really detailed engraving. Thanks auntie I always learn something new. 🤠

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Auntie Santee? Wow....I've sunk to a new level. LOL!

[@victorwaddell6530]

Thanks again Santee & Co .

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome

[@victorwaddell6530]

@@ArizonaGhostriders I drank a Cheerwine yesterday and thought of the time I sent you a six pack of Cheerwine and some Blenheim Ginger Ale . I still have the T shirt you sent me . Did you like the South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce I sent you ?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

There has been some beautiful work done on some of those old pistols, works of art. Great Video Santee!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@jacktribble5253]

This one left a good impression. Thanks and Best of Days to all the Ghostriders.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

LOL!

[@TimKoehn44]

Thanks Santee! Great episode! These are truly works of art. Have a great weekend! Cheers!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You as well.

[@alacharger]

Love them scratched up guns. I have several.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

HA!

[@justicewatch4602]

Your videos have a high production value. Hopefully your channel is growing. Starting a binge watch. Very entertaining.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

We hit 100K 3.5 months ago, so yeah!

[@darinweiszbrod3823]

This is great Santee , I have some guns i had done and it brings them to life ...

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Cool!

[@GDSavingThePast]

Amazing workmanship went into creating a piece of Art

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yes

[@jerseyred9554]

Of all the subjects.... I've been thinkin' about that very thing.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

COol!

[@AlphaTraveler1]

Hey Santee, you ALWAYS surprise me with topics that I have not thought of. Super cool my friend. 👍👍👍

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@LionquestFitness]

Whew! Art from a time long past. Those are some beautiful shooting irons.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

yup!

[@delaneyalusa]

PEW PEW... That was a Root'n Toot'n Beauty of an Episode Santee. PEW, PEW!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@JimBailey]

Thank you Santee, There is definitely some beautiful artwork out there. Thanks again. :)

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome

[@Mark-buggs]

Once again you have presented a bit of our heritage that is very interesting and informative. Thanks again

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome.

[@brianburge3349]

THANKS

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

YOu're welcome

[@NGMonocrom]

Lovely examples of engraving, Santee. 👍👍

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@duaneho555]

Thanks for another great video Santee.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome

[@classicgunstoday1972]

Yep I remember my toy cowboy guns as a boy coming engraved out of the box along with holsters and plenty of cap rolls. Made of steel and no red plugs in the early to mid 80s

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Awesome!

[@jaxonriley7529]

Crazy

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

A little.

[@tedebear108]

Good morning Arizona Ghost Riders. I was looking for your video this morning. Ted from Texas here. I would still love to see more of the antique firearms you have. Is well as the ones you use in your profession. Thanks man until we meet

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thanks, Ted!

[@tangopodadventures9852]

Great video! Loved learning about the hand tooled art work. I also always love it when you animate old photos and have them say something witty. Have a great holiday weekend!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

HA! Thanks.

[@joshuabarnett3639]

Amazing video santee you are my favourite youtuber

[@rhondaz356]

Mine, too...🎉

[@joshuabarnett3639]

@@rhondaz356 I know right

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@usingfornow7225]

The best engraver is the gunsmith in valentine

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

OK!

[@michaelpage4199]

That was great. Thanks for sharing.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome

[@roblowe9283]

Such a Great Show !!!!!!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@jjsadventures]

Enjoyed this Santee! Hope you have a wonderful weekend

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@ralphperez4862]

❤. Now I want to go get me one. Cool episode. Thanks my friends.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Me too!. Ralph, sell about 14 of your guns and get one engraved one.

[@ralphperez4862]

@@ArizonaGhostriders Ha. How about I keep them, and just go buy one. Ha

[@jimkennedy3286]

some beautiful guns

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yes

[@gsdfan8455]

My brother has my late Father’s old A. H. Fox double barrel shotgun that has beautiful engraving on the breech.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Cool

[@kevinyineman3627]

Loved it thanks

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome

[@Breathbreathbreath]

Amazing video! You know I personally love a 1851 navy engraved! Just something bout it.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

It's pretty nice, right?

[@Breathbreathbreath]

@@ArizonaGhostriders indeed!

[@Breathbreathbreath]

@@ArizonaGhostriders ever do a anything on the 1861 navy? Like how it came to be and what not?

[@ThemissouriTraveler]

It’s official Saturday!!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Here we go!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Them sure are some pretty firearms. Another great video, sir!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@joelhurley2678]

Santee, interesting story you shared and they really are works of art as you stated and I was just amazed how beautiful they are I have been to a couple of museums and they've had exhibits on the rifles and handguns with the carvings. I wished I had kept the brochures and they talked about manufacturer engravers that they use. Thanks again for sharing and as always enjoyed your stories

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Awesome!

[@0570965]

As always you guys find something interesting.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Great episode, Those sure were some purdy shootin' irons! 🤠 JT

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@chelseadanico877]

So very awesome, interestingly informative and inspiring video, I really liked and enjoyed it, I learned a lot about firearm engravings from the frontier and old west. Great job and well done, keep up the great work, I got a lot of inspiration for the Zelda, retro-vintage and old west inspired story/series I’m working on writing. I’m definitely going to be adding firearm engravings to my story/series. Most of the weapons in my story’s world are going to be frontier era and later Klondike gold rush era firearms, there’ll be some Zelda inspired dungeon-quest items as well.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank you so much and keep writing!

[@chelseadanico877]

@@ArizonaGhostriders thanks and your welcome. Today I’m writing more of the chapter 1 draft outline and further story details.

[@mpetersen6]

One individual who does some incredible engraving is Chris on the Clickspring KZbin channel. He doesn't do firearms but stuff like homenade clocks etc. One project he has that has been ongoing for quite some time is building a reproduction of the Antikythera Mechanism using tools, techniques and materials that would have existed at the time. It includes making his own drills, files, gravers and other cutting tools.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Oh neat!

[@trynsurviven2440]

Why do I get the feeling that this video has only scratched the surface of gun engraving?

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Well, I chiseled away at it.

[@trynsurviven2440]

@@ArizonaGhostriders HA!!😂

[@marcosaraiva9205]

" Better stop drinking breakfast" 😂 beautiful engraving hand guns! they make engravings in long guns but is not the same thing!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@jamesa.7604]

When I get that Uberti Wells Fargo Schofield Revolver I been keeping an eye on, I'm going to have it engraved,

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Great!

[@EsaPaloniemi]

These videos are really interesting and informative.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@mryan3123]

Nice... Very nice.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thanks.

[@AdaM48state]

Good one Santee, pew pew!!!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

HAHA! Thank You!

[@nagjrcjasonbower]

Another winner in the can! 👍

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@thud93factory51]

For some reason I feel that engraving the guns somewhat gives it extra powers.🤣

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

yes!

[@57WillysCJ]

Good video, seems a lot of old timers ordered their Colts engraved. It takes some real time to engrave something. Back when I was learning to use a push graver, another fellow worked in the same factory. He was doing stuff that was making money in the early 1980s from all over the world. Look up Ron Skaggs engraver. He has been at it for more than 40 years.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Will do.

[@fordenginebuildersv8power184]

Another awesome video !

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@Devin_Stromgren]

Fun fact, the standard engraving on Colt cap and ball revolver cylinders was intended as an anti-counterfeit measure, rather than mere decoration.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

So they say

[@Dsdcain]

Thanks for the great video. Don't get caught swiping that gun, he might get upset with you. Stay safe out there, and take it easy man.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

HA! Thank You!

[@marcthomas2482]

Great video Santee!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@toddwebb7521]

The Cuno Helfricht stuff is gorgeous. I've bought fairly expensive books about old colts just let look at the large high quality photos of those.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

They fetch a pretty penny, too.

[@distlledbrewedreviewed]

I've seen some butes, great video my friend.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@JEDiTV]

We’ve got a local Pard, Willy B. Infamous, that does some of the finest engraving I’ve laid my eyes on.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Wooo Weeeeee!

[@BJBlaskovichGaming]

Need some practice on the Scottish Brogue there, Santee. Hehehe, great video!!! If there’s one thing that has always impressed me about firearms, it’s engraving. Some of it is beyond gorgeous.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@BJBlaskovichGaming]

@@ArizonaGhostriders of course! Thank you for all the great vids you make! I’m almost always learning something from every one you make!

[@hacksaw434]

I'm the type of guy that if I want something, I learn how to make it. I was thinking about engraving my guns until I watched a few videos on how it was done. No thanks! I'll stick to carving leather! Making a mistake on a $10 piece of leather is cheaper than screwing up a $600 firearm! Great video Santee!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I agree. Let an experienced pro do it.

[@oolooo]

Remember , lads .The supreme Firearm Aesthetic choice is Engraving , then Gold Inlay and then Deep Bluing/Blackening .That Dark Metal with that shining Gold ... Magnificent .

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yes

[@CryptidRenfri]

Personally I love the look of a blued/blacked Colt SAA with silver inlaid engravings and ivory or pearl grips. Now that's class.

[@oolooo]

​@@CryptidRenfri Mmm , with Lightning Bolts as the Mottif .Silver Lightning on Black Steel Skies .I dig it .Except I believe an Ebony grip would fit that better .Pearl looks best on Nickel .

[@ryanmedina5090]

I had no idea that Rex was a civil war vet. My daughter's name is Sydney so that made me chuckle. Also, all I could think of was how I spend my ample cash in Red Dead by getting all my weapons engraved....haha.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

HA!

[@oregonoutback7779]

That was some "purdy" fancy engraving you showed off there, Santee. I always presumed most of the Old West engraving appeared in the form of notched whittled into the grips. I noticed that mule had some engraving on his nose. Probably a good story to be had, right there?

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I'd say if you had one, you really cared about it.

[@hazcat640]

A beautifully engraved and cased 1849 pocket model with matching extra barrel just sold at Rock Island Auction for $250k plus auction premium!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Hoooowee!

[@1875outlaw]

Awesome video Santee love them engraved guns I have 2 Winchester 94 that have some engraving 🤠 🍺🍻🥃👊🤠 🦅🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🦅

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yessir!!!!🥃

[@Mirokuofnite]

"It's a nice gun, I'll give you that. But the engravings give you no tactical advantage whatsoever, unless you were planning to auction it off as a collectors item. Besides, you're forgetting one more, very basic thing. You don't have what it takes to kill me." Big Boss in Metal Gear Solid 3 You'll probably get that a lot in this video comments.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

So far a few times.

[@OgamiItto70]

Nice episode. I'm surprised you didn't show some of Rex O'Herlihan, The Singing Cowboy's (Tom Berenger in _Rustler's Rhasody)_ engraved single-actions. Gorgeous things, engraved, plated and inlaid with gold, ivory grips and the whole nine yards.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

There are so many tv/movie guns to show. It wasn't about that, so I kept it to a minimum.

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

Love the video. the Dalton Gangs single action armies to me is perfect 😍. i have always wanted to take up the hobby of engraving. Sounds like a real challenge

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Practice a lot!!

[@stoundingresults]

The silver Remington Army 44 gun Leonardo offers Russel Crowe to test in Quick and the Dead is the one I wouldn't mind owning. And Bronson's Wildey that shot the giggler.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Hmmm, I'd say good looking guns

[@Davofromdownunder65]

Love your videos Santee, I don't think many of our old Aussie bushrangers had engraved firearms, would've been good to see though.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@justdustino1371]

That naval battle scene on a Colt Navy revolver is the Texas Navy and the Battle of Campeche if I remember. That is roll engraving meant to guarantee a genuine Colt. Hey Santee, someone said the movie "No Country For Old Men" is a Western, despite it being set in 1980! What do you think about that? 🤔

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yes, it is Campeche. A modern western....I suppose so. Hell or High Water is more of a modern western, I think.

[@kerrydavidsadler980]

Always love learning something new, love these videos. Have you ever done a video on how the cowboys in the wild west dealt with the heat in the summer time, like how they dressed or wore their guns any different way thanks.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I do!

[@kerrydavidsadler980]

@@ArizonaGhostriders thankyou went back thur your videos and found it thanks.

[@Gentleman_Songster]

'Pew plates' (in the newspaper ad): I was a little disappointed to find they were nothing to do with the sound the pistol makes when it's fired! :(

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

HAHA!

[@Tipi_Dan]

If I could justify it (which I can't), or if I was starting all over again (which I'm not), right now I'm very, very fond of the Colt clone (Italian, but not by the most well-known maker) offered by the famous reseller in Winchester, Virginia, that is finished in the white or nickel and laser engraved with cattle brands. It's a piece well worth coveting. Pardon my oblique references, but I didn't want to post a commercial.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

There are some really nice engravings out there.

[@doraran2138]

Colt percussion revolvers were primarily engraved to assure it was an actual Colt product. The expensive one and one-half ton roll engraving machine employed by Colt could impress the unique cylinder scenes to each model in well less than a minute, thus assuring actual Colt product and not a non-Colt infringement. Small time shops could produce up to a few hundred copies and roll engraving machine too expensive for such shot runs with costs and time of hand engraving not an effect patent skirting option. Large companies, that could afford such equipment could be readily found and sued by Colt to stop an damages, so they generally stayed away, although there is an interesting story of some Belgian gun makers and Colt.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Funny how those cylinder engravings get so little notice.

[@philosotree5876]

Were knife engravings a thing also?

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I've not seen a knife engraved from the period. I think the removing of metal might be an issue.

[@joelreason8205]

Now I know who beat me to those suspenders lol😂

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

HA! I've had those for years. Very comfy

[@garrettfromsmokeinthewoods]

Very good video Santee lol the only engraved firearm I ever owned was on red dead redemption.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Nice

[@charlesehmke8403]

Thank you for talking about Coffeyville and the Dalton's. Love it when you do that.🤠 By the way, can you tell where I'm from originally🤔🤣?

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Hmmmmm, Coffeyville? Maybe?🥃

[@charlesehmke8403]

@@ArizonaGhostriders DUDE you totally got it the first time! You must have that espn or something🤯

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

@@charlesehmke8403 LOL! I need to go there one day. Hope there's coffee.

[@charlesehmke8403]

@@ArizonaGhostriders We have our own small batch roasters. Coffeyville Coffee Company.

[@Goldenrailgun]

This video helped a lot. The only reason I’m watching this is because I want to historically accurate play through in red dead redemption two and I didn’t know if outlaws used engraving or not

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

A couple did.

[@Goldenrailgun]

Ok

[@PhantomObserver]

Cool! I wonder if there's enough material on "Presidential Firearms and the Old West" -- pistols and rifles gifted to U.S. Presidents from Franklin Pierce to Teddy Roosevelt?

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

There is.

[@mpetersen6]

Engraved firearms probably go back just about as far as firearms themselves. Some of the museum piece firearms from the 14th, 15th and 16th century are beautiful pieces of functional art. Some of which are breachloaders and repeating firearms.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yep. I think I showed one.

[@EricDaMAJ]

Engravings done by companies also proved the gun was original and not some cheap copy. This was particularly true for the Colt .36 Navy with naval battle illustrated on the cylinders. Colt was at the leading edge of innovation and couldn't afford a 3rd rate copycat company ruining his brand.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Sure.

[@EricDaMAJ]

@@ArizonaGhostriders I meant to type "couldn't" afford a 3rd rate copycat company ruining his brand.

[@ThatCowpoke]

Iv bin in to the wild west longer than i had this phone

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

COoL!

[@patron8597]

Interesting video. I'm kinda surprised you didn't bring up RDR 2 again though, maybe to explain if a design of the engraving in the game is inspired by real world designs.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're right

[@cosmasindico]

Great vid! I was wondering if you could do something on the Winchester spin cock.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

If you mean the large loop ones, those are a Hollywood invention. I'd be happy to do a video on them, though.

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

There's a snake in my boot!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Say it ain't so!

[@SxTxferlife]

I knew there were dinos in the Civil war!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You learn something new every day!

[@kirkmorrison6131]

Interesting video i have always wanted to have a custom engraved gun, but I can't afford it.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Same here.