I've heard that many newer Italian, Spanish among other guns are "roll engraved."
I am trying to perceive how a "roller" with a reverse image could possibly follow all the curves and flats of a SxS or O/U shotgun receiver and impress an image into a metal surface.
Is there some part of the process that I'm missing?
I understand hand engraving, chasing, laser etching, acid etching, photo etching, etc.
Could someone please explain or use images to help me understand the process.
Thanks in advance.

Simplest way to picture it is the same way you paint with a paint roller, except of course a lot more pressure. Different size rollers, maybe going in different directions to get the curves.

The die




Hand rolling machine


Example of roll engraving


Pete

Okay, I can understand rolling a pattern onto a flat surface but what about rolling a continuous fine scroll over and around a breach ball (fence) and onto a curving action surface without braking the pattern. It cannot be done with a simple wheel.

It is probably NOT done...some nice work is done by acid etching, as on some of the Beretta O/U's.

I doubt that the entire action would be completely roll engraved, probably just the flat portions, specifically, the side plates and bottom of the action. The reason I say this is because I bought a new Spanish sidelock, Ugartechea model 257, and noticed that there is a definite difference in the quality of the sidelock plate and bottom action engraving to the rest of the gun. I would hazard to guess that the plates are likely pressed or rolled having such a nice consistent symmetrical finish compared to the fences, top strap, lever, trigger guard, and fore-end metal which appear totally hand engraved being not nearly as perfect in execution.




Tim

Thanks for the pix, PeteM! I understood the theory but never saw the practice.

I assume the die for something like the sideplates shown by Tim would be a lot bigger than the one you show, and have a lot more pressure--looks like they do those in just one pass, with maybe a little cleanup at inspection.

Mike,

No problem. Do a Google search for "roll engraving" then click images. Some of the dies are massive.

Pete

Here is a picture I found of the specific machine. Obviously the front die is for the sideplates and I'm guessing the rear die is for the action flats.

Tim

Gosh, I would sure think such massive pressure on something like a sideplate would stretch it to the extent it would need refitting. Comments?

Joe
I'm pretty sure the roll marking would be done to blanked sideplates prior to any fitting.