Promoting the ART of FIREARM ENGRAVING since 1981
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Promoting the ART of FIREARM ENGRAVING since 1981 |
Back to the Home Page About the FIREARMS ENGRAVERS GUILD of AMERICA Click here to view FAQ Contact Information |
The Firearms Engravers Guild of America (FEGA) was formed by firearms engravers as a non profit organization to perpetuate the art of firearms engraving. With a quarter of a century of history, our service to both engravers and the public is well known. FEGA has now become the recognized source of information on American engravers and engraving, and the foremost advocate of the fine art of firearms engraving in the world. The Guild has dramatically raised the level of recognition of the art. The camaraderie of its members and the resulting exchange of artistic and ethical thought have inspired unprecedented interest in engraving and engravers. With hundreds of individual members encompassing a wide range of engraving talent, FEGA looks forward to continuing to serve all who are interested in this unique art form. |
OBJECTIVES OF FEGA The objectives of the Firearms Engravers Guild of America have not changed since the inception of the Guild. The focus of attention remains on four areas crucial to perpetuating this centuries old art form.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS FEGA is governed by a Board of Directors of eleven. This includes the President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, four Board Members, Historian, and Sergeant At Arms. These volunteers provide the foundation for the Guild's continuity and day to day operations. Each is also responsible for various duties in the Guild to provide services for members and the public. They receive no compensation. The Officers and Directors of the Guild are elected at the Annual General Meeting, and serve for two or four year terms. |
Frequently asked Questions:
The Guild The Annual Exhibition Learning firearms engraving Engraved Guns Membership There is a membership application available on the web site. Print out the form, fill out the application, and mail it in. Simple as that! You don’t have to be an engraver to join. Just have an interest in engraving. What are the benefits of joining? FEGA is great group of people who have a love of the engraving art and are willing to share their knowledge with others. Being of a member of the Firearms Engravers Guild connects you with great engravers from the US and around the world. The biggest benefit is being able to share and interact with fellow engravers to expand your engraving talent and the art itself. Other advantages include a quarterly newsletter “The Engraver” full of tips, advice, techniques, and photos that benefit everyone, from those just learning to hold the gravers, to those who have been doing it for forty years. You also receive free admission to the Annual Show held in conjunction with American Custom Gunmakers Guild; a treasure of things to see and questions answered for the beginning engraver. Joining the Guild allows you to gain even more valuable knowledge to further your understanding of the art. Check the other links on the site for more information about membership or click here to go to a page with more details. I don’t live in America; can I join? Yes. We have a number of members from outside the US, joining as International Members. See the member application for information. Back to the top of FAQ The Guild What is the purpose of the Guild?
How can I contribute to the Guild? Contributions can be made in monetary means or simply by sharing ideas and techniques. Everyone has unique knowledge, abilities, and connections that can help make our guild stronger. We welcome submissions for our newsletter - from something as simple a tip, to a more in-depth, technical, how to article, or perhaps the history of particular engraver if you have that knowledge. Volunteers to help with the day to day operations of the guild, special projects, etc. are appreciated; tell us what your skills are, and we will be glad to have you actively participating. For those with not enough time as it is, financial donations are gladly received, if you feel so inclined. Many individuals donate plain old cash for scholarships or other special projects. What is the history of the Guild? For nearly a quarter of a century, FEGA has provided services to engravers and the public. The dedication and support of individuals from across the country have made this unique organization what it is today. More information about the history of the guild is available by clicking here. Back to the top of FAQ Is FEGA a part of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild? No, they are two separate and distinct organizations. We operate independently from each other. We work together to host our annual exhibition each year in Reno. How much money does the FEGA make from the annual “raffle rifle?” FEGA does not make ANY money from the raffle rifle. The rifle is a fundraiser organized by ACGG. This ACGG sponsored event is held during our joint exhibition; the winner is drawn there. A FEGA member may be involved in the engraving part of the project however, and is paid separately from their proceeds. How can I get a display table at the Exhibition? You must be a member of either guild in good standing. Information about the getting a table is published in our newsletter, or contact the Guild for more information. Back to the top of FAQ Learning firearm engraving How do I learn to engrave firearms? Many Guild members started out with a book The Art of Engraving by James B. Meek. It is available through Brownells. There are many schools that teach engraving; a list of engraving classes is available on request. FEGA presents free seminars every year at the exhibition; these are available for purchase as DVD's also. Just attending the annual exhibition will give you a wealth of knowledge. Being able to see world class engraving and engravers is worth the trip. You are able to interact with these people and ask questions about the areas that you want to improve. What are the opportunities in firearm engraving? That is a tough question to answer. The opportunities in firearms engraving are really something that is different for each engraver. It depends on your skill level, pricing, and your ability to seek out work. Like any business, engraving firearms for profit is a combination of abilities in that specific field, a willingness to promote yourself, and developing a customer base that can supply your financial needs Customers who desire engraving encompass the entire economic spectrum, from those who only want a $20 initial engraved on a $200 dollar gun, to those spending thousands on 3 rifle set. Many current full-time engravers developed their business while maintaining a normal job until the engraving business proceeds matched those of their original employment. As a member of FEGA, you will have access to the membership who have many and varied stories on their way to success. The guild does not promote any individual engraver, but rather the art of engraving. Back to the top of FAQ Engraved Guns Can you tell me who did the engraving on a gun? Possibly, but not always. We have a historical database of many engravers. While it deals mainly with American engravers, we have many international engravers listed as well. If a gun has some signature or marking, there is a good chance we can point you in the right direction. Many engravers sign their work in an obvious location, while some engravers are famous for hiding their signature somewhere in the design. Guns that have no markings are more difficult to determine who did the engraving. Some engravers are instantly recognizable for their work, while numerous others are not. Some guns, many of them factory engraved with a standard pattern, have no signature at all. For more information, contact us. Can you tell me what an engraved gun is worth? FEGA does not do appraisals. Establishing a value on engraved firearms can be very difficult. Many variables must be considered. Factors that affect the price include the quality and amount of engraving, the quality and overall condition of the firearm, the engraver's reputation, whether or not it is signed, and the type and desirability of the gun itself. Back to the top of FAQ
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