Sword Scabbard and Trophy Engraving

[gunner13]

My mess has an old sword scabbard of the names of former unit commanders, however at some point it stopped getting updated.  After getting permission to get it updated, I started to look around for quotes.  The big problem I'm running into is that everyone I've taken it to says that they can't replicate the style of engraving, which is bold and dark.  I'm told that the previous work was hand engraved with an engraving pick.  I'm also being told that the look can't be duplicated by use of modern engraving (either machine or laser) methods.

I'll soon be running into a similar issue with some older trophies we're planning to start awarding, all the new engraving looks cheap in comparison to the older work.

Has anyone run across this before, and do you have any suggestions?  I know what look I want to get, but know little of the engraving process.

 

[army outfitters]

Having had things engraved on swords etc I know what you are talking about. The only way you will find somebody to do this is to find an old jeweler and ask them if they do hand engraving. This is when everything ie old stuff was all done one letter and character at a time. Now with lasers etc they do not do this and it will become a lost art like so many others. Good luck finding one

 

[Mike Bobbitt]

I don't know if they do this sort of thing but I would contact William Scully.

 

[army outfitters]

They don't. Scully sold all stamping machines many years ago to Mexico if I remember correctly(so that they can be used to make spoons) and no longer make badges in house. If I remember correctly they are being made in China. Be proud that the buttons you are wearing on your DEU's are made in China when they say Scully Montreal on the back. Go Canada. At one time they used to supply swords also but this has also passed on. And yes I know they pay to advertise as I do also. Not slaging them just telling it like it is

 

[Mike Bobbitt]

Good to know, thanks for the clarification. It's a shame we couldn't have kept things Canadian, but that seems to be the way these days.  :-\

 

[army outfitters]

It is far worse than you could imagine. Recently a manufacturer somewhere in Ontario who shall remain nameless made under contract cap badges for at least one unit I will not mention that is in Toronto. They were cast in Pakistan and all he did was stamp his name into the slider when they arrived. They were such bad quality that the RSM and CO refused to wear them and sent them back to Montreal with a note telling them what to do with them. I then had to make the cap badges for them properly from dies. It is unreal the lowest possible bidder thing these days as it only hurts the guys in the field

 

[Michael OLeary]

gunner13, where are you? I have a contact in London, Ontario, that has done engraving on a sword scabbard for me.  I believe he will take on other unique jobs as well.

Mike

 

[gunner26]

Update on the engraving of the sword scabard:
After calling most of the jewellery stores and engravers in winnipeg I finally found someone who does hand engraving; A&A Jewlers on Henderson Hwy.  They charge $1 per character for hand engraving, which is about twice as expensive as normal (machine) engraving.