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Gaming, Props & Fun
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Custom Cribbage Board |
Since our feature
article in the Trenton Times in January of 2002 Artisans
has received
a variety of unique requests. We found we're one of the few
shops in the region that offer our clients an opportunity
to bring their unique ideas into a wooden reality. In the
past, we've done some small jobs for magicians, thespians,
gamers, and collectors by creating custom gaming theatrical
props. Always unique and fascinating requests, we are happy
to entertain any such idea. |
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Eric's roots in gaming trace back to a childhood
business casting lead soldiers and figures. Starting in the
early 80's this old time hobby introduced him to the small
business world. Creating chess sets, dioramas, gaming pieces,
and collector's pieces cast in solid lead, tin, or pewter.
As the equipment is still in our shop, these items can be
commissioned by special request.
One of our clients followed through with his desire to create
a handcrafted cribbage board, entering Artisans back into
the gaming business. Cribbage, an old English card game,
requires the use of a score keeping board. Boards range in
size, complexity, and design per player's personality and
tastes, staying within the rules of the game.
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Apparently, there is a large selection of production boards
available on the market today, but no overwhelming number
of truly unique forms. Artisans created our client's design
in solid walnut, with maple tracks. The pegs are hand carved
icons with a "Jack" figurehead. A custom red white and
blue finish completes the project. Entirely unique, this
one of a kind piece reflects our clients taste for a hand
made folk art, and will serve as both a great conversation
and a functional piece.
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Circa 1865 M-1860 Calvary Saber and Foot
Soldier's Sword
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This Solinger German (top sword) marked
S&K saber arrived with its leather handle missing and
wire wrapping broken. The blade was covered in light rust
with minimal pitting and the scabbard was originally browned,
now ruff or “fuzzed” to the touch due to lack
of maintenance. Conservation: Black leather wrap and brass
wire were replaced on handle. Blade de-rusted and waxed
and buffed. |
This rare Foot Soldiers Sword (bottom
of upper photo, middle lower) arrived with a heavy ruffed
surface on blade with minimal pitting, handle and wrapping
in good condition. Conservation: Browned sword surface was
buffed, re-browned, and waxed to excellent condition. |
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Model Horse - This is not an
antique, and obviously has nothing to do with woodworking. It's
a plastic model, pretty much a band new plastic model. It's hear
an example that almost anything can be fixed, especially when there's
a clean break. Some carefully epoxy work and within a few minutes
this horse was back to new again after a nasty spill off an entertainment
center.
Revolutionary War - Window Diorama - This
was a reasonably simple project - the diorama background was crushed
during years of neglect. A Stanley painting project, the background
isn't worth anything special and was not only torn and crushed
but beginning to show significant signs of deterioration. Replacement
was the most resource effective option, so a new background was
painted. These eclectic projects keep us entertained with seemingly
unlimited diversity.
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