Mr Talbot returned with his 1851 Colt Navy pistol in an elaborate display
case. The craftsmanship, the detail and the colour and grain of the
timber were something to behold. I immediately said, "I want one!",
then asked if he could also do an 1863 Remington. Mr Talbot agreed and
explained that at that time he had few orders so it could be completed
in about four months. It was evident that a great deal of work went
into each piece and that took time.
About a week after
that Mr Talbot brought in a 1915 Webley for me to photograph. I was
totally amazed by his skill at making a fully working wooden firearm…with
the exception that it did not shoot bullets! The detail is astounding:
a functional wooden spring; rifling down the barrel; checkering on the
handgrip; wooden bullets in the cylinder; and even timber screws holding
the parts in place. These marvelous pieces have to be seen, touched
and handled like a real gun to be believed.
Having seen the Webley, and being aware that Mr Talbot did not have
many orders from his hobby, I asked if he could produce one for me as
well. Two days later we sat down and discussed his making a full set
of historical classic firearms for me. It would be like re-telling the
history of firearms through a series of working wooden replicas.
The concept of
a collection had evolved and mine will become the only full collection
of its kind in the world. I see on the Internet that there are plenty
of wooden toy guns available, but not accurate working replicas in wood.
Over the years
R. A. Talbot has built many fine firearms including competition rifles,
shot guns made for the 1958 Commonwealth Games and even a rifle that
won prizes in the Bisley competitions in England. I am delighted
to
have met him and thrilled that he agreed to undertake such a project.
After many hours
on the Internet and many emails to lots of clubs, collectors and other
people around the world with an interest in classic arms or related
topics, I believe that Mr Talbot's replicas are the only ones of their
kind.This set will be a truly unique collection and a tribute to his
dedication and skills as a gunsmith and fine craftsman.
Ken
Lewitzka
P.O. Box 244
Pt Noarlunga SA 5167
Mobile 0417 875 432
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Additional Information
Click
here for a PDF (1.21MB) that explains history of Ken
Lewitzka, how the
collection came about and why.
Plus, Mr Talbot's contacts, what is for sale,
newspaper articles and a lot more.
