German engravers

[Gankai]

The 2022 calendar for the German Gun Collectors Association has some wonderful examples of German Engraving assigned to Richard Schilling and Otto Ortlepp. Does anyone know hoe these assignments were made? Stamped or engraved initials or was it done on a stylistic basis? It seems that their should be more information on these talented artist as well as the others that made the engravings we enjoy. Any info would be welcome. Someone want to write a book?

Rick

[Leatherman]

I too would like to know how some of the engraving was done especially on older examples I have from 1860’s to 1870’s. The engraving is so intricate and precise in very small detail it’s hard to imagine how one would be able to do without magnification like more modern engravers use. I know they wore glasses which had magnifier lenses in but still not like the microscopes they use today to do the very fine work which you just focus on the work and you have just the tools to concentrate on. Here is an example of a makers mark ( Kuchenreuter) )on the rib of a Black Powder era double rifle that is so precise but I need magnification to read it. Was this done with a stamping tool or free hand? If by stamping how did they make such precise tooling that small?