Actually, its not that hard to engrave yourself. I have used a dremel tool and a metal stylus that is used for
drypoint etching, and both work great. Since brass and copper are soft metals, you can get a deep enough incised line that you can paint over the whole thing with black acrylic or black spray paint, and then either wipe off the wet paint, or sand/polish after it dries. The line is then accented and easier to see, and if you do it right, looks like there is a bit of patina to it, and/or grime stuck in the engraved surface.
The stylus I used was purchased from an art supply store for $14. But I have also used the tips of darts for the same purpose. Really anything that is made of a hard metal that has a pointy end would work. Just a few practice pieces should get you ready for the "real" work.
Mr. Lt. Corvidae,
I'll be given er hell with the Dremel, we shall see how she goes, learned how to do proper scrimshaw growing up, should be pretty much the same, fingers crossed.
