Indeed...
A lot of the jewelry folk won't do work on a weapon unless they actually know the customer.
They get to pick and choose what they do, so it's their call.
Back in the day, there were very few brass things to engrave, save for the odd backstrap.
Italian brass stuff isn't worth the effort - 'but' those repros offer a neophyte engraver all of the odd curves and rounds, along with a soft, forgiving material to practice on.
Scouts Out!