TTAG Project Gun: Otto Carter Aesthetic Style Takes Shape

May 20, 2015

Master Engraver Otto Carter is hard at work creating a new design for the TTAG Project Gun. He’s got the naked Cabot S-Class 1911 frame, upon which he’ll engrave in the Victorian Aesthetic style. As with all Otto’s projects, this job begins with a sketch. Notice the 3D effect of the olive leaves wrapping around the banner (to be filled in). Also note the dark areas to the left of the image. That’s where Cabot (and other 1911 makers) put striations so that owners can grip the side for racking. Otto’s design provides a visual marker; the design will be etched deep into the metal to afford a strong grip. The 55-year-old engraver will be doing this job as all members of his craft do: with a hammer and a chisel. No computers. No lasers. Just a steady hand and an artful eye. Watch this space for updates.

10 COMMENTS

Sgt Frank May 20, 2015 At 15:17

What no Naked woman? Bummer…..
KingSarc48625 May 20, 2015 At 15:24

I think calling Mr. Carter a master at his craft is selling his talent short. Some seriously beautiful work on his site.
CM May 20, 2015 At 15:54

Hammer and chisel? I believe he uses pneumatic engravers. Lindsay to be exact.
Rog Uinta May 20, 2015 At 16:01

Mr Carter does indeed appear to be a master of his craft, but I personally find the Victorian Aesthetic style to be an eyesore at best. And a 1911, of all things, has no connection to the Victorian Aesthetic whatsoever. I’d rather see even boring old American Scroll engraving.

And for God’s sake, man, get rid of that abomination of a trigger. PLEASE!
John L. May 20, 2015 At 16:10

Your gun your choice on how to dress it.

It looks to be good work … but it has little appeal to me, aesthetically speaking.
BDub May 20, 2015 At 17:10

I wonder how much it would cost to get my PC 627 Engraved at this level?
BDub May 20, 2015 At 17:20

Robert, I would have figured you for an Art Nouveau/Jugenstil kind guy (which would have been my personal choice, especially for a 1911).
Old Enough May 20, 2015 At 18:28

As long as you like it.
Not anything I would put on a firearm.
Bobing May 20, 2015 At 23:27

Will there be a dinosaur like on that one famous CZ pistol? I request dinosaurs. Tasteful, Victorian aesthetic dinosaurs.
Tif December 16, 2021 At 17:43

It is vital to hunt for appropriate and ready-made templates when creating a design for any page, project, or presentation. When I required some designs for my art academy project, I did exactly that. Fortunately, I discovered a wealth of graphics, fonts, and other resources for graphic web design at masterbundles.com . It enabled me to accomplish a lot of fascinating and innovative work.