Colt Python work-in-progress - inlaying the Colt Onion Dome in 2 colors

[Mike Dubber]

I'm working on a Colt Python and the work calls for a two-color inlay of the Colt Onion Dome on the left rear panel. In this sequence I'm inlaying 20 gauge metal - one piece is 24K Gold and the other of Fine Silver.
Let's walk though the process of inlaying the Dome step-by-step.

In this photo I have started preparation by excavating the area of the onion-shaped dome. The side plate is mounted on a steel plate with double-sided tape.
The 24K dome was sawed out and the relieved area is cross cut to raise burrs

Now the area where the columns are placed is excavated and the area is cross-cut with a square graver

The bottom inlay is sawed from a 20 ga. piece of fine silver and the inlay cavity is burred up

Both pieces of metal are now hammered into place and smoothed

Now I can continue by designing and cutting the scroll work

The scroll work is completed and I'm ready to detail the inlay

The Colt Onion Dome is detailed - I'm ready to go to the opposite side of the gun to create another Colt inlay.
Notice too, that this left panel is a "cover plate." This cover plate is placed into an opening that allows the inner working to be installed...and also holds some of the working parts in place.
That means that if you are to do a inlaid border (this Python has a double border with 5 breaks) you necessarily have to do it in broken sections that align and register properly when the gun is reassembled.

 

[SteelEye]

For an Orthodox shooter?

 

[JMiller]

Mike, I noticed the colt emblem behind the dome was left until after the inlay and before engraving the scroll. How do you get rid of it before engraving?.... Thanks for showing the step-by-step!

 

[Mike Dubber]

OK, in regard to the Colt Onion Dome and Orthodoxy; Sam Colt was a flamboyant character and he used icons like the Dome to identify his Armory (1857) plant to the general community of Hartford. There are varying stories about how and why he acquired the Russian Dome, but his manufacturing plant was located directly on the Connecticut riverfront where everyone could see. The town of Hartford and all who traveled up and down the river could readily see that unorthodox architectural feature.

The Rampant Colt Stamping: I traditionally inlay that feature on Pythons I engrave, Like this..................

This new Python is taken far beyond the standard, and also, the factory stamping was doubled! These Rampant Colts were hand stamped with a die punch, so the stamped location is seldom the same. In this case the stamping was so poorly done that the little Colt had eight legs - I just covered it up and/or engraved over in.

 

[GTJC460]

Magnificent work and tutorial

 

[monk]

exquisite comes to mind. the time you take to share your work and how you do it is highly appreciated.tyvm, sir.