JJ Roberts' point about silver inlaid animals is a valid one, however, the photos are too poor to get a good look at the scrollwork. The scrollwork is the key to identification. A larger and well-lit image will be needed for proper attribution.
I can only echo the sentiments of all those who have remarked on the outstanding character and accomplishments of my dear friend, Rod Cameron. If ever there was a person who was a friend to all and a mentor to many, it was Rod. A true raconteur, Rod told stories in both word and song. I just...
The image is far too small for me to make any attempt at attribution. I can, however, see enough of the left panel to tell that that part is not by any gun engraver that I am familiar with.
I've got nothing on your Winchester. I'm not sure that the DB is the engraver's mark. The engraving and carving look very much like German or Austrian work. Kornbrath or Griebel work would look very similar, but those guys clearly always signed their work.
I checked my source for Belgian...
Your 21 was engraved in Germany. German work, in the post-war era, is very distinctive. Until recently, German engravers did not sign their work. Most likely the gun was ordered by a GI through the PX then turned over to a German engraver. There was one who worked in conjunction with the...
I have always wondered why Ken had not been knighted. Not being British, I don't know what the process entails but it seems there are so many lesser lights that carry the title. An organization like The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths or The Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain could put...
Rannis,
You are getting ahead of yourself on scrollwork. Practice drawing perfectly concentric spirals (also called backbones) before you move onto the inside and outside work. No matter what you put inside or outside, a spiral with doglegs or elbows will throw off the entire composition.
Every good scroll begins with a perfect spiral. If your spirals aren't perfectly concentric, nothing you put inside or outside of the spiral will correct the whole.