Thread: Your Favorite Examples of Craftsmanship?

So some of the conversations in other sub-fora like the one about vintage strops got me thinking about the idea of fine craftsmanship in general. As we have been racing away from the old world idea and expense of hand-crafted goods in favor of mass-produced, CNC-milled, cheap throwaway crap, I'd like to know what some of your favorite examples of fine craftsmanship are. I know our group all appreciate any fine handcrafted products.

I'll start: The Colt Python .357, preferrably one of the 60's models when they were still hand-fitting, tuning and polishing every part. The resulting deep bluing was IMO the most beautiful finish ever put on a gun. I wish I would have bought one before collectors started driving up the prices!

So what are some of your examples?

A fine firearm is my favorite example of craftsmanship. I like the wood to metal fit, and the smooth operation of a hand fitted firearm.

Originally Posted by EMC45

A fine firearm is my favorite example of craftsmanship. I like the wood to metal fit, and the smooth operation of a hand fitted firearm.

Your previous posts indicate that you know a lot about the subject. What would be a few of the most finely-crafted arms in your opinion? The good old GI 1911 .45 from your avatar is to my mind one of the most utilitarian gun designs ever, but the actual mil-spec production runs that got contracted out through a couple of world wars weren't necessarily finely-crafted, nor that accurate from what I've heard. Now obviously some of the customized ones are another ball game (though I doubt anybody ever said, "You just shot me with a cheapo .45!).

Just spit-balling if we're talking guns: I'd add Belgian Brownings (like the Sweet 16!), various bespoke hand-fitted English double rifles that cost more than my annual salary, things like that.

Adding in other categories, I toured the Martin Guitar factory in Nazareth, PA years ago and was just awed by all of the incredible hand-work put into these fine guitars by tatooed biker types, little old grandmas, and every type of craft-person in between. Pick up a 45-series Martin and look at all the abalone bindings-just unbelievable. There are a lot of custom builders out there turning out stunning work, too-Ryan, Wingert, etc. I don't really play any more, but still appreciate a fine acoustic guitar.

Oh, and if you ever get the chance, find and watch the PBS documentary on the Steinway Piano company in Brooklyn. Another old family company that does unbelievable work, all of it by hand.

How about a Browning BSS sidelock 12 ga 26 inch barrels mod and improved choked.

Bob

On a slightly larger scale of craftsmanship.
The Houses of Parliament. Westminster, London.



Built in 1015, the place just astounds me. Gives me goosebumps whenever I see it.1

Without a doubt, the Kees van der Westen Speedster:



Kees is both a brilliant artist and engineer.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

On a slightly larger scale of craftsmanship.
The Houses of Parliament. Westminster, London.



Built in 1015, the place just astounds me. Gives me goosebumps whenever I see it.1

Good example, Mark-We were all over Europe last summer, England and London included. I was definitely awed by Parliament, Big Ben, The Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and so many other gorgeous buildings (including some of the newer ones like The Shard, The "Gerkin," etc.). But I think the most jaw-dropping public building I have ever been in was Canterbury Cathedral:

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Good example, Mark-We were all over Europe last summer, England and London included. I was definitely awed by Parliament, Big Ben, The Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and so many other gorgeous buildings (including some of the newer ones like The Shard, The "Gerkin," etc.). But I think the most jaw-dropping public building I have ever been in was Canterbury Cathedral:

Simply stunning, haven't been there since i was a little boy.

I had an old S&W Triplelock Target 44spl that was slick as a whistle. I've had Colt Pythons and still have a S&W Model 27 blue with a 5" bbl. I suppose a Browning Hi-Power I have with tangent sights is an example of fine workmanship. A Freedom Arms 454 Casull Premier Grade with auxiliary cylinders in 45LC, and 45ACP, and has never been fired ! Built with the precision of a Swiss watch. Also this 1990s made S&W Model 66 'One of One Thousand' 44 magnum in polished stainless. That one has been shot a time or two.

Good idea for a thread.

Around 10 years ago I was allowed to paddle a birchbark canoe made by a master builder. It was like paddling a leaf on the wind.

Fine firearms are a joy to look at. I would love to handle an old classic shotgun like a Purdey. I have a Browning Auto 5 made in Belgium. It might not be very advanced but to me it has more soul than the current production guns. I would love to own a Brown or Wilson 1911. Someday.