Colt Lightning .22s&l Small Frame Engraving Suggestions

[theresamarieus]

I've got a Colt Lightning small frame and am looking for engraving pattern suggestions. Currently I am considering going with L.D. Nimschke because he was an engraver during the time this rifle was made. I really like the eagle motif and the old scroll work that worked figures into the scrolls. The trigger guard and sides of the receiver would be worked in his simple style of fans, starbursts, etc. I am unaware of any factory engraving for these rifles. If you know of any, your input would be greatly appreciated. I would like this piece to be something my children would treasure. Attached please find a couple practice plates with the engravings I mentioned above.
Nimschke style eagle.jpgNimschke style eagle scroll.jpg If you have any info regarding this period of engraving including specifics of the appropriate look, I would be most pleased for you guidance.
If you are interested in the progression of this project, let me know so I can keep you updated.

[Kid Sopris]

Here are some ideas: http://www.vtgunsmiths.com/adams/jaeindex.html

[theresamarieus]

Thank you for the link- very beautiful. I like the eagle but wonder if the gun should be done similar to the original factory Pattern? Would this be forgery? I wouldn't want to mislead someone, but would like to be true to the original rifle.

[smkummer]

If you can look at page 260 in Colt-An American Legend, it shows engraving patterns (floral) on medium frame lightnings. The only 22 engraved lightning shown was the Kickapoo Indian Camp rifle that includes a teepee scene.
Most 22 lightnings have a faded Colt horse over the world pattern that is quite large for the left side of the reciever. If that alone was enhanced, it would almost look engraved. Add to that some bordering or floral patterns and to me it would look very well done. just my .02

For whats its worth, last week a bunch of crows were digging through my garbage out front of my house in a rural sub-division. They scattered my garbage over my yard. Believe it or not, I took my 1896 Colt lightning 22 ( that has had the barrel relined) loaded with Reminton CB shorts ( I couldn't find the longs in my fits of rage) and took a shot at them but missed. They then proceded to the tall trees in my 1 acre plot. Now I took steady aim and remembered where my buckhorn sites shot; pop! ( the CB ammo going out at 730 FPS is very quiet) and one of the black hoodlum bastards helecoptered down from the tall tree. A local hawk was quick on the scene but several of the crow's buddies were making sure the hawk didn't get the spools of war. It was quite a scene with the crows making all the noise. The hawk left but something came that night and took away the dead black hoodlum (crow). Those crows didn't touch my trash this week. I have heard they are one smart critter minus one of course. We actually have a season on crows in Indiana. I have never cooked crow but have heard of recipies to prepare them.

[theresamarieus]

Good luck with the crows.
The dog runs of birds here.
I had to go to amazon and buy that book. I love an excuse to but a book- especially one with pictures.
Thanks for the info.