Re: Rib Gold Inlay?
I won't name the collector as I don't have permission to do so; but several years ago, I was at this individual's home and was shown Kraus's engraving tools (glass, vise, etc.) that we see pictured in the Brophy book. This individual also owned Mr. Kraus's toolbox. It was red and looked more like and had the heft of a mini-safe; I was told this was the box in which Kraus stored the gold he used for inlays, and in that box were several pieces of the tiny gold bar stock he used for rib inlays. These weren't finished; so, I'm also certain Kraus hammered these bars into the rib slot (that he likely cut?); then finished and engraved same. As a collector, these items were most interesting; but I'm sure any good engraver could replace your missing gold inlay and make the piece look like factory work.
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