Franz Marktl is one of the few European-trained engravers still practicing their
art. Beginning at age 14 as an apprentice, Mr. Marktl has now reached the top
of his craft. An Austrian National Treasure, it has been said of Mr. Marktl, if
he were a singer, he would be Pavorotti, and if he were a painter, he would be
Michelangelo.
Specializing in wildlife, Franz Marktl has the ability to capture the animal in
its natural environment. He has spent his life traveling around the world
studying wildlife anatomy.
Franz Marktl engraved custom guns and knives are sought by collectors the world
over. He has been commissioned by the White House and by foreign heads of State
to produce his treasures. His work has been shown at the Metropolitan Museum of
Art and at the Smithsonian Museum to name a few.
Each master engraving begins with a detailed drawing. The artwork is then
transferred onto a thick sheet of sterling silver. Mr. Marktl uses hand made
tools to remove bits of metal, sculpting each hair, each rock, each leaf. Every
detail is precisely shaped to capture its beauty for all time. A special mold
is made at the Heritage Pewter Foundry to faithfully reproduce the intricacy of
Mr. Marktl's spectacular work.
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