socially, i'm a recluse. no facebook, insta gram, twitter, or tik-tockery for me. i know that leaves me somewhat if not totally in the dark. but i like the "place" i'm in. ny reason for participating here is selfish: i learn and i try to nelp a newb when possible.I really admire the perfect engravings of Sam Alfano. If you google hand engraving, there is a lot to find from him. However, only one example of a signet ring.
With my request I would like to contact especially colleagues who, like me, are not to be found otherwise in the usual social networks (Facebook,Instagram etc.). And also do not have their own web presence.
Hello Allan,Sorry for not contributing earlier but I've looked over your photos and they are fantastic. I used to do a lot of crest work but as I aged I gave it up to an apprentice. The detail and precision needed became more than I cared to handle.
But your work is above and beyond; and the photos showing the progression of the work is really amazing. A lot of the coat of arms work on line is impressive but I really think that most of is computer generated because there are elements that are too good, too flat, especially in the lettering of the motto banner. I suppose there are some skilled engravers who are able to refine the machine layouts and make them look completely hand done. But there are not a lot of those on line. Most of them look flat and completely computer generated. Your ring is dynamic and looks like it was engraved by a human.
But what really amazed me is the face on the crest.The face must be insanely hard to carve but the mustache, I can't imagine being able to be so precise. Your work is a pleasure to see. I hope you post more photos.
Allan