The Making of
Miniature Arms:
The rate of production or fabrication of
miniature arms has hardly changed since the 16th Century when master
makers were few. Today there are relatively few master, miniature
arms makers throughout the world. There are, however, several
hundred craftsmen and hobbyists who make a few miniature arms now and
then for their own collections or to make a few extra dollars.
These are the ones the collector sometimes finds by his own
efforts or by a network of friends who locate the makers for them.
Unlike full-sized arms, the production of
miniature arms almost never happens in a factory environment. One rare
exception today is in Italy where a manufacturer produces high quality
historical reproductions as well as a series of 1/2 scale percussion
and cartridge revolvers of popular Colt firearms. These guns are
for the most part still hand fitted and assembled with expert
craftmanship and attention to detail.
Michelle Lefaivre in his shop..