Robert A. Talbot has achieved world-wide recognition for his all-wood historically accurate firearm replicas. ‘I’ve had a passion for wood, ever since I was a kid’, says Robert, who at the age of 88 has decided to step back from work a little.
It all started way back when a nephew had said that he wanted a certain kind of gun and Robert obliged by using his exceptional skills to make him one. After someone else saw the gun it all ricocheted from there and Robert went on to make around 60 guns for others, collectors included.
An aircraft electrician during the war, Robert took up woodworking in his retirement. Over a 20 year period each gun has consumed hundreds of hours of his time as he has faithfully replicated them in wood as fully operational models. Brazilian walnut and redgum are his most used timbers, and grain selection has always been a paramount consideration.
Looking back over his achievements, Robert said: ‘I’m just satisfied that people enjoy my work and I’ve achieved a standard that I never thought was possible’.
Robert Talbot lives in Victor Harbor, South Australia and the news item video at this link appeared on Channel 7’s Today Tonight Show on April 7, 2014.