Last week we took a look at the “St Michael’s Banderole” pistol from Cabot Guns OAK (One-Of-A-Kind) Collection. Today we have another masterpiece from this collection of deluxe 1911-style handguns – The Phoenix pistol. As its name implies, the design and engraving motifs of this pistol are dedicated to the immortal mythical bird.

Cabot Guns @ TFB:

• Made From Golden Gate Bridge Steel: Cabot Guns CALIFORNIA Pistols
• The 2023 Cabot Gun of the Month Club Pistols
• Cabot Leviathan OAK Collection Custom 1911 Pistol
• POTD: Cabot Moonshot 1911 Pistol

The phoenix, a mythical bird, symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the cycles of life and death. It represents metamorphosis, the sun, and celestial bodies, providing abundant inspiration for artists. The art commissioned for this project aimed to encapsulate these ideas in a concise yet profound manner, weaving philosophical narratives into the visual representation.

The artwork was designed to be bold, vibrant, and rich in color and tones, conveying a sense of action, movement, and tension through dynamic lines and sculpted elements. The figurative elements portrayed the transformative process, showing the phoenix actively changing and transmuting its form.

The central subject of the artwork depicted the phoenix in the midst of change, with its body and feathers ablaze, symbolizing both burning and death. Yet, the artwork also showcased the bird’s head and fiery wings emerging from swirling ashes and smoke, representing rebirth and renewal.

In order to achieve the color and texture effects described above, Cabot masters used a variety of techniques and materials. The deep engravings along with multiple layers of inlaid gold and hand-applied madder root powder-based paint create a mesmerizing symphony of colors and shapes. The smoky overall finish and engravings on the grip that resemble burnt wood further enrich the theme giving an impression that the pistol too has been burnt and risen from the ashes.

No Cabot OAK Collection pistol has an ordinary storage/display solution and The Phoenix is no exception. The pistol was delivered in a wooden case made by Steve Parker. The top of the case is finished with the Shou Sugi Ban technique that involves burning the wood – a perfect solution for a phoenix-themed handgun.

Pictures by Cabot Guns, www.cabotguns.com