Engraving was just a way to hold more oil on the metal surface when it started. Then it became an expression of art. Funny thing is if we knew how little it cost for top of the line engraving we be less willing to over pay for it. Ive seen the order book for big name makers and it cost three or four pounds on a gun selling for 50-100 pounds. Now it doubles the gun value in many cases. Thats a good investment at resale.