This incredible collection of engraving represents an unparalleled assemblage of work from notable engravers both past and present. It was compiled by the legendary John Rohner (1923-2021), who was not only a Master Engraver, but also friend and contemporary to many in the gun, engraving, and art worlds. In the firearms-engraving community, John is known as the "Godfather of the American Engraving Renaissance," having spurred the growth of the art by co-inventing the Gravermeister and cofounding GRS corporation. As well, he influenced the spread of firearms engraving through articles he authored that appeared in firearm publications in the 1950s and 1960s. John Rohner is noted in multiple sources for his passion for teaching engraving (i.e. Eric Gold, Mitch Moschetti and Steve Lindsay) and introducing engraving to the masses, which is probably best illustrated by a quote from John himself; "I loved to teach people who got a hell of a lot better than I was!" He was a Charter Member of FEGA when it was founded in 1981. The collection consists of approximately 97 items total, 95 of which are engraved or carved, most of which are the heads of chasing hammers. Amassed one-by-one over decades, the collection fulfilled his desire to own samples of as many prominent engravers as possible. It is a truly remarkable collection with gold inlay, scrimshaw, sculpting, bright-cut and blueing among the techniques and styles represented. This collection, at various stages of its assembly, is pictured and described in multiple included issues of The Engraver: The International Journal of the Firearms Engravers Guild of America (Issues 76, 89, 91, and 129). Each piece has been masterfully engraved by a different engraver, showcasing their distinct styles and techniques. The engravers include John Adams Sr. and Jr., Angelino Lo Prinzi, Barry Lee Hands, Scott Pilkington, Rene Delcour, Sam Alfano, William Gamradt, Leonard Francolini, Philippe Grifnee, Frank Hendricks, Winston Churchill, Lynton McKenzie, Michael Dubber, George Sherwood, Alvin White, Ken Hunt, Ben Shostle, James Meek, Bob Burt, Rachel Wells, Walter Kolouch, Dennis Kies, Jim Chambers, and many more. The collection is housed in three, hardwood cases, two of which have contrasting inlaid chasing hammers on the lids. A slightly different, third hardwood case lacks the inlays of the other two and has room for additional hammers. All of the items are tagged to designate the artist, and each of the three cases has a reference sheet listing where the items are housed. Provenance: The John Rohner Hammer Collection

All of the items are very good to excellent, most showing bright or retaining nearly all of their respective finishes with very minimal handling or storage wear. This collection offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone seeking to own the most extensive sampling of modern gun engravers' work available. It will be a welcome addition to any private or public collection!