This is a small point but aside from the example here of the Art Deco bird's head and the custom Fox gun, which is spectacular, most of the engraving being described as Art Deco is really Art Nouveau.
Aside from the stylistic differences, Art Nouveau's heyday was from 1890 until the start of WWI. Art Deco really only gained popularity (enough to be engraved on a gun) from the mid 1920's and reach it's peak in the 1930's. Think Chrysler and Empire State building in New York and my personal favorite, the Niagara Mohawk Power building in Syracuse.
So if you are wondering which is which, just consider the time frame of when the gun was made (or the pattern designed).
Last edited by canvasback; 05/04/16 08:25 AM.
