[JamesO]

This is the 3rd of 14 different firearms carvings I wish to complete. I've posted 2 others here in the past in the 1911 subforum.

Colt Single Action Army is another of my 1-of-a-kind Handgun Coin Carving that is almost 100% complete. It is still lacking some details in certain areas, but thought I would go ahead and show it. I'm starting to be pretty pleased with the way this came out. Genuine Pre-Ban Ivory grip, (5) 24kt. gold and fine silver inlaid bullets ( 1 in the Chamber), 24kt. inlaid C and pin which holds the grip on. OLIVENCIA is carved into the backstrap. To small for me to capture clear with my camera. All carved from a 1913 type II Buffalo Nickel. Buffalo on reverse is untouched original condition.
Please enjoy and thanks for looking

[JamesO]

few more process pics.

[Benning Boy]

Really nice work, explain the process, please.

And does this eventually make you blind?

[JamesO]

a couple more..

[JamesO]

The process is the not so ancient art of Hobo Nickel Carving. There are a few dozen modern coin carvers amongst us. I could ramble on but I will spare u and give the in a nutshell explanation of these.
The coins are carved ( metal removed and or manipulated) by use of various hand chisels, power assisted chisels, various dental tools, burrs, ceramic abrasive sticks, abrasive points and chasing tools. The metal that the coin is set into is a low melting temp material called CeroSafe. I use a binocular stereo zoom microscope as my eyes and an ipod for my sanity.

[UnderFire]

Now, those are just plain COOL!!
Great Work!!
Do you sell them?
I like the 3 JHP stand you use.

[spittinfire]

Very nice work! How did you get into that hobby?

[JamesO]

Thanks Guys for the great comments!
Yes I do sell my coin carvings, but unfortunately I havent yet decided what to do with these. Carving these takes anywhere from 30 to 60 hours depending on the subject and detail. Time frame of when I can complete one from start to finish depends on when I can escape from my day job.
I am 37yrs old and have a background in Custom gun and Knife engraving.

[Benning Boy]

Maybe I missed the thread, do you have pictures of your other work?

And if Hobos are poor, why are they carving up money?

[JamesO]

http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f57/one-kind-custom-1911-build-15504/

Back when actual Hobos were carving coins it made them worth more than there face value. I've seen the originals go for upwards of $10,000