Does engraving weapons affect value?

[A34]

Guys,

For modern weapons, does engraving them have a affect on value? If so, how?

I understand putting my name on one could hurt it's value unless I become famous. But, what about designs or gold inlay, etc?

I have a 1911A1 I want to give my dad. I'd like to make it more special by engraving it. I also have some weapons of my own I might want to engrave. Nothing high end, just your average pump shotguns, maybe another handgun. So, I'm wondering what this does to the value.

Thanks, Merry Christmas!!

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[Patrick Chadwick]

It's a bit like writing your name on the title page of a collectable book, writing it with a load of decorative flourishes. Of sentimental value to the recipient if it is a personal dedication. But an absolute killer of market value - unless you happen to be the author!

You know the decorative carving that is sometimes applied to the kind of hunting rifle that lives in a presentation cabinet and never gets out in the fresh air - lots of kitsch twiddly bits that would only collect dirt if the thing was actually used, and make it look like something out of a Gothic novel. Well I know a collector who has an M14 tarted up like that!!!! The general effect is yeeuuuucccchhhh. A visual horror. What might have been acceptable on a showpiece hunting rifle in a 19th century castle just looks b---- stupid on a modern weapon. Like attaching decorative wrought ironwork to a tank.

So if you want to apply something like a personal dedication, say a medallion let into the buttstock - OK.

But if you want to carve it up and add frills - please don't!

[WarPig1976]

It ain't cheap,!! I looked into it, wanted to put flames on a Wingmaster. Depending of course on the design you choose it can cost at a minimum of 100 to 200% the initial cost of the firearm to be engraved. In my case who's gonna pay $1000 for a Wingmaster with badass flames on the reciever.?? Nobody, but that's cool because if I did it,, I did it for ME.

Leave the 1911 alone and do up one of your modern ones...

[A34]

Thanks guys. The 1911A1 is a modern one I got cheap. I was thinking of our family crest and maybe my Dad's USAF unit and presentation date. It's one of those things that will pass to my son. I appreciate your insight on this. I would never do a high end gun that way.

[Mikesm44]

Put in a stock disk.

[Mk VII]

These things are very much a matter of personal taste. One man's taste is not to another's.

[A34]

I decided to go with a simple engraving. My Dad's name on a simple scroll and the date. Cost $40. This pistol is a govt issue RIA I bought new for $325. Cheap enough that he can shoot and enjoy. I have one and it's a good basic pistol. Very similar to what I had in the Army.

If I had it to do over, I'd have the engraving done in a different color as it's hard to see. Maybe I'll go back and have it done in a different, lighter, color later. My Dad was thrilled with it. One of my son's is named after him, so I hope it will be passed on to him and he will appreciate it.

Thanks for the insight guys. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

[browningautorifle]

You can do the engraving over with a white grease pencil, available at automotive supply shops...it will stand out white. They also make other colors.

[tom gray]

I think it looks good! Obviously your Dad was pleased & thats what counts. As you said it
is not a high end or collectible peice. I am sure it will get many positive comments at
the range. Enjoy.
Tom