Business Details
24 Years
experience
Custom Hand Engraving by Master Engraver Geoffroy Gournet
Geoffroy Gournet Master Engraver brings decades of expertise in traditional hand engraving, rooted in rigorous training at prestigious institutions. Established in 1985 as an artist-in-residence in the U.S., our craft merges classical techniques with modern artistry. We specialize in custom engravings for firearms, watches, and luxury items, using time-honored methods without power tools or chemicals. Our founder, Geoffroy Gournet, honed his skills under world-renowned masters in Belgium and Italy, earning accolades like the First Prize of Basculage at Liege School of Gunsmithing. With 15 years as Parker Reproductions' sole engraver, we crafted bespoke A1 Customs, now sought-after collectors pieces.Today, we continue to create intricate, one-of-a-kind works, emphasizing precision and artistry. Every project reflects our commitment to preserving heritage techniques while meeting exacting client specifications. Our process, reliant on hand tools like the bulino and hammer, ensures unmatched detail and durability. Clients benefit from direct collaboration with Geoffroy, whose 35+ years in the field guarantee exceptional craftsmanship. We serve collectors, firearm enthusiasts, and art connoisseurs worldwide, delivering heirloom-quality engravings that stand the test of time.
Services
Custom Gun Engraving
Watch Engraving
Firearm Restoration
Cigar Cutter Engraving
Gold Inlay Artistry
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We use traditional hand-tool engraving methods perfected over 35+ years.
- Our founder trained under legendary engravers in Belgium and Italy.
- We exclusively create custom, one-of-a-kind engravings tailored to client visions.
- Our work adorns prestigious A1 Custom shotguns and private collections worldwide.
- We guarantee precision through time-tested techniques resistant to modern wear.
Services
Custom Gun Engraving
Hand-crafted engravings for shotguns, rifles, and handguns using traditional hammer-and-chisel techniques. Clients receive bespoke designs ranging from hunting scenes to gold inlays. Each piece requires 13 months of meticulous labor, ensuring heirloom-quality results.
Firearm Restoration
Reviving antique firearms with period-accurate engravings and metalwork. Techniques mirror original craftsmanship, preserving historical integrity while enhancing aesthetic value. Ideal for collectors seeking authenticity in Parker, Beretta, and LC Smith models.
Watch Engraving
Precision engraving for luxury watches, including cases, movements, and bands. Designs incorporate intricate patterns or personalized monograms. Work adheres to strict tolerances, ensuring functionality remains unaffected while adding unique artistic elements.
Gold Inlay Artistry
Applying 24-karat gold inlays to engraved surfaces for contrast and durability. Process involves hand-cutting channels and hammering gold into metal, creating striking visual depth. Commonly used for scrollwork, wildlife scenes, and formal inscriptions.
Cigar Cutter Engraving
Custom engravings on Xikar and other premium cigar cutters. Designs range from family crests to abstract patterns, executed with the same meticulous hand tools used for firearms. Transforms everyday items into personalized collectors pieces.
People
Geoffroy Gournet
Master Engraver
Geoffroy Gournet, a French-born U.S. citizen, trained at Liege School of Gunsmithing and Gardone workshops. He won Belgium's First Prize of Basculage and spent 15 years as Parker Reproductions' lead engraver. Now freelance, he creates bespoke artworks using traditional methods.
Questions
What materials can you engrave?
We specialize in metal engravings for firearms, watches, cigar cutters, and luxury items. Our techniques work best on hard metals like steel and gold, ensuring fine details endure.
How long does an engraving project take?
Custom projects require 1–3 months of full-time work, depending on complexity. We prioritize precision over speed, ensuring every line meets our exacting standards.
Do you use modern engraving tools?
No. We exclusively use traditional hand tools—hammer, bruin, and bulino—without lasers, chemicals, or power equipment. This preserves historical authenticity and enhances craftsmanship.
Can you replicate existing designs?
We focus on original, custom creations. While we may draw inspiration from historical patterns, each piece is uniquely tailored to the client's vision and the medium's characteristics.
Do you restore antique engravings?
Yes. We repair worn engravings on vintage firearms and artifacts, matching original techniques to maintain historical accuracy while revitalizing the piece's artistic integrity.
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