G.M. Bentley Designs, Fine Hand Engraving

The Engraving of a Silver Flatware Service starts with the Master Design being drawn onto the sample piece of silver. From there the engraver determines the tool cut and texture desired for the finished design. The client may choose to have a bright mirror like finish, in which case the graver is sharpened to a high polished cutting edge. A fine diamond wheel of 600 grit would produce a satin like cut, a 1200 grit wheel a much finer silky satin finish, etc. After client approval, this piece will transfer identical designs scaled to each piece in the service, completing the work.

This is the finished Master Monogram, # 83 from the Engraving Charts. This is refered to as an “Interlocking Script Cypher”, last initial larger and in the middle. In this instance a small scroll element travels downward from the center character, to start the eye moving down the service piece, as requested by the client. When cutting a “threaded” monogram, it is imperative that the threads diverge and converge in a even and gracefull manner, consistent in depth and width, fluid in line and composistion. Having the graver emphasize the passing of stem elements in front of and behind each other further reinforces the illusion of three dimensionality, a most convincing “icing on the cake”.

This hand engraved Tiffany Persian Flatware exhibits a very detailed #471 Script Cypher.

Hand Engraved Silver Set

This is an example of hand engraved spoon handles from a large silver set created for a client.

This standard #2 pencil gives reference to the fine detail of the spoon engraving.

George is cutting the layout of a fancy 3 letter monogram in the leaf and vine style.